The restored Telephone Building in downtown Clearwater has landed its first restaurant tenant, with the hospitality group behind Michelin-starred Rocca bringing its first Clearwater concept to Cleveland Street.
Called Rippers, the restaurant will occupy the building’s ground floor and serve deep-fried “ripper” hot dogs, burgers, chicken wings, sandwiches, fries and handcrafted milkshakes. It also marks Tastes Pretty Good Hospitality’s first expansion outside Tampa.
Founded in 2024, the company operates Rocca, Bar Terroir, Streetlight Taco and the recently opened Lumbre. Rocca has earned four consecutive Michelin stars, while Bar Terroir is recommended by the Michelin Guide and Streetlight Taco received a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation.
The move also gives the Cleveland Street Alliance’s restoration effort its first completed project and its first announced restaurant tenant. Built in 1914, the Telephone Building was restored with its original brick façade, storefront, windows and architectural details intact while the interior was updated for new commercial tenants…