TAMPA, FL – The architectural and culinary landscape of downtown Tampa is poised for a significant transformation as Next Level Brands officially pulls back the curtain on its most ambitious project to date. The hospitality group, led by industry veterans Jeff Gigante, Joe Guggino, and Andrew Wright, has released the first comprehensive renderings and conceptual details for Matilde, a coastal Mexican steakhouse slated to anchor the ground floor of the Arts & Entertainment Residences (AER).

Located at 300 W. Tyler St., Matilde is scheduled for a spring 2027 debut. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Next Level Brands, which has already redefined regional dining with high-profile establishments such as Boulon Brasserie, Forbici, and Union New American. With Matilde, the group aims to transcend the traditional steakhouse model, blending the primal allure of live-fire cooking with the sophisticated nuances of Mexican coastal gastronomy.

The Vision: Four Pillars of a Soulful Experience

Matilde is built upon a foundation of four defining pillars: gracious hospitality, live-fire Mexican cuisine, an agave-focused beverage program, and immersive art and design. These elements are intended to work in concert to create a "layered and cohesive" dining experience that transitions from a vibrant lunch and brunch destination to a high-energy, refined evening scene.

Spanning 7,600 square feet, the restaurant is designed not merely as a place to eat, but as a cultural destination. The leadership team envisions a space where the warmth of Mexican tradition meets the sleekness of modern luxury. According to the developers, the goal is to provide a "soulful and energetic" atmosphere that resonates with both the local community and the influx of international visitors drawn to Tampa’s burgeoning downtown core.

Chronology of Development: From Inspiration to Implementation

The journey toward Matilde began officially in May 2024, when Next Level Brands first announced the acquisition of the AER space. However, the conceptual roots of the restaurant extend much deeper, following an intensive period of cultural immersion by the group’s executive team.

The Mexico City Pilgrimage

To ensure authenticity and depth, founders Jeff Gigante and Joe Guggino, alongside Director of Operations Heather Rivas and Culinary Director Jacob Rios, embarked on an extensive research expedition to Mexico City. Based in the artistic hub of Roma Norte, the team traversed the neighborhoods of Condesa and Polanco, studying the intersection of heritage and modernity.

During this residency, the team engaged with celebrated chefs, local taqueros, and market vendors. They explored how Mexico’s diverse regional traditions—from the smoke-heavy techniques of the Oaxacan highlands to the bright, acidic profiles of the Pacific coast—are being reimagined by a new generation of restaurateurs. This experience fundamentally shaped Matilde’s identity, moving it away from "Tex-Mex" tropes and toward a more sophisticated, "coastal" interpretation of the Mexican steakhouse.

Anticipated Timeline

With renderings now public, the project enters its intensive construction and refinement phase. The spring 2027 opening allows for a meticulous build-out of the AER’s ground floor, ensuring that the complex architectural requirements of the 25-foot ceilings and open-fire kitchen are met with precision.

Supporting Data: Culinary and Beverage Programs

Under the leadership of Culinary Director Jacob Rios, the menu at Matilde will revolve around the "Hearth"—a central, open-flame cooking station that serves as the heart of the kitchen.

The Menu Architecture

The culinary program is designed to emphasize the communal nature of Mexican dining. While the menu remains in a state of evolution, the team has confirmed several flagship directions:

• The Live-Fire Element: Premium cuts of steak will be charred over open flames, served with complex moles, house-made salsas, and traditional accompaniments.
• Coastal Influence: Raw bar selections and crudos will highlight the "coastal" aspect of the brand, featuring dishes like Shrimp Aguachile Negro.
• Regional Specialties: The menu will feature Lamb Shank Barbacoa, Heritage Pork Chop with Pipián Verde, and Hearth-Roasted Chicken with Mole Negro.
• Versatile Dayparts: Lunch and brunch will offer more casual but equally refined fare, including Chilaquiles, Carne Asada, Conchas, and Tortas.

The Agave and Wine Strategy

The beverage program is equally ambitious, positioning Matilde as a premier destination for agave spirits. The bar will feature an extensive collection of tequila and mezcal, utilized in cocktails that prioritize fresh-squeezed juices and seasonal Mexican botanicals.

Furthermore, the wine list will take a "global-coastal" approach. Beyond the standard domestic offerings, Matilde will showcase labels from Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, Spain, and the Southern Hemisphere. This curated selection is specifically designed to cut through the smoke and spice of the live-fire menu while complementing the delicate acidity of the seafood dishes.

Architectural Integrity: Designing a Transportive Space

The physical environment of Matilde is a collaboration with Atelier Zébulon Perron (AZP), a firm renowned for creating some of the most visually stunning hospitality spaces in North America. The design philosophy for Matilde focuses on the contrast between raw, elemental materials and refined, luxurious detailing.

Design Specifications

• Volume and Light: The space boasts 25-foot soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the river.
• Natural Elements: The interior will integrate fire, water, and earth, utilizing lush greenery and organic textures to create a "warm yet elevated" setting.
• Capacity: Matilde is designed to accommodate 195 guests indoors and 92 guests on an expansive outdoor terrace. It will also feature a 50-seat bar and a 40-person private dining room for exclusive events.

The lighting is described as "thoughtfully curated," intended to shift the mood of the room as the sun sets over the Hillsborough River, transitioning the space from an airy daytime bistro to an intimate, candlelit lounge.

Official Responses and Philosophy

The leadership at Next Level Brands emphasizes that Matilde is a "passion project" that carries personal weight. The restaurant is named in honor of co-founder Andrew Wright’s Colombian grandmother, Matilde. Though the cuisine is Mexican, the restaurant is intended to embody her spirit of "warmth, generosity, and storytelling."

"Matilde is a concept we’ve put a lot of care into, and we want it to go beyond what guests might traditionally expect from a steakhouse," said Jeff Gigante, founder of Next Level Brands. "Our time in Mexico City helped us bring that vision into focus and inspired us to think more deeply about the connection between food, beverage, and culture. We’ve carried that influence throughout Matilde, creating a space that celebrates those elements in a way that feels thoughtful, immersive, and distinctly its own."

Heather Rivas, Director of Operations, is tasked with translating this high-level vision into daily operational excellence. Her role involves integrating Matilde into the existing Next Level portfolio, ensuring that the brand’s signature "gracious hospitality" remains consistent across its diverse concepts.

Implications for the Tampa Market

The arrival of Matilde at the AER building signifies more than just a new dining option; it is a marker of Tampa’s maturing urban identity.

Economic and Urban Impact

The AER (Arts & Entertainment Residences) is a cornerstone of downtown Tampa’s revitalization. By placing a high-concept restaurant like Matilde at its base, the developers are signaling a move toward "luxury-lifestyle" integration, where high-end residential living is inextricably linked with world-class dining.

The "Next Level" Effect

Next Level Brands has played a critical role in elevating Tampa’s culinary reputation. With the success of Boulon Brasserie in Water Street Tampa and Union New American in Westshore, the group has proven that there is a significant appetite for upscale, experiential dining in the region. Matilde represents the next step in this evolution—a move toward niche, culturally-specific luxury that challenges the dominance of traditional American steakhouses.

A New Standard for Downtown

As Tampa continues to compete with cities like Miami and Austin for talent and tourism, the presence of internationally-influenced, architecturally significant venues like Matilde becomes a competitive advantage. The restaurant is expected to become a primary anchor for the Tyler Street corridor, drawing foot traffic from the nearby Straz Center for the Performing Arts and the Tampa Riverwalk.

Conclusion

When Matilde opens its doors in 2027, it will represent the culmination of years of research, travel, and design. By blending the ancient traditions of Mexican hearth cooking with the contemporary aesthetics of a luxury steakhouse, Next Level Brands is betting on a future where Tampa sits at the forefront of the national hospitality conversation. For now, the city waits as the renderings begin their transition into reality, promising a soulful new addition to the Florida sun.