THE
JOURNAL

Some nights stay with you forever. Wednesday, September 2, 2026 is one of them. That evening, under the warm lights of the historic Robertson Building on 7th Avenue, D'Rose Gastrobar officially opened its doors in Ybor City, and Tampa welcomed us home.

We still remember the moment the D'Rose sign lit up the brick façade at 2238 E 7th Ave. The red carpet was rolled out, the Grand Opening banner hung above the door, and one by one our neighbors, friends, families and partners arrived dressed in white and touches of rose, many wearing the little rose pin that has become a symbol of this house. It felt less like a restaurant opening and more like a family reunion.

A ribbon, a family and a city that opened its arms

When the red ribbon was cut alongside Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, our founder Edgar Lopez, Chef Victor M. Lopez and the youngest member of our family, it was not only the start of a new Latin restaurant in Tampa. It was the end of a long road that began years ago, when a family from Colombia decided that Ybor City, with its history of immigrants, cigar makers, music and hard work, was the place to build a dream.

Having the Mayor of Tampa there to welcome us to the neighborhood meant more than words can say. Ybor City was built by people who came from far away to start again, and that night we felt part of that story.

“We want to show another side, one that is sophisticated, artistic, innovative and world-class without losing its soul.”Chef Victor M. Lopez, Founder & CEO

Music, cocktails and the first notes of D'Rose

Inside, a live voice filled the room while glasses were raised at the bar. Guests discovered every corner of our Ybor City restaurant for the first time: the teal velvet chairs, the warm wood and copper lamps, the woven baskets on the walls, the living garden wall and the Studio, our back dining room with guitars and a mixing console where food and music speak the same language.

Our kitchen, led by Chef Vic and partner and executive chef Osyamil Milian, shared the first tracks of a menu with Colombian DNA and Caribbean soul, made of small plates to share, while Jessica T. Gonzalez's signature cocktails and wines kept the toasts going late into the night. Laughter, hugs, photos at the door, friends who had not seen each other in years: that is what we remember most.

Thank you, Tampa. Thank you, Ybor.

This article is, above all, a thank-you letter. To our neighbors on 7th Avenue and across Ybor City, who stopped by while we were still building, who asked when we would open and who believed in us before the first plate left the kitchen. To the friends who have supported us from day one and keep coming back. To the families who drove from across Tampa Bay to celebrate with us. To Mayor Jane Castor and the City of Tampa for the warm welcome. To our team, our partners, Luis Pacheco and Clicktonita for capturing every moment, and every guest who has walked through our doors since that night.

You received us as if we had always been here. We came to Tampa to share a side of Latin culture the world has yet to see, elegant, creative and cosmopolitan, and you made us feel at home from the very first night.

Every time we light the sign on 7th Avenue, we remember September 2. That was only Side A. The best tracks are still to come, and we can't wait to share them with you.

With love, the D'Rose family

Visit D'Rose Gastrobar in Ybor City

D'Rose Gastrobar is a modern Latin gastrobar with Colombian DNA located at 2238 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, in the historic Robertson Building in Ybor City. We serve Latin small plates, signature cocktails and wine for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, La Hora Rosa happy hour Tuesday to Friday from 4 to 6 PM, and weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM. For birthdays, corporate dinners and celebrations, our private events team hosts groups of up to about 130 guests with tasting menus and open bar packages.