Tampa Italian restaurant Cena has closed

The beloved Italian restaurant Cena in Tampa's Channel District has closed permanently after over a decade of service, a decision primarily prompted by the departure of chef and partner Michael Buttacavoli. Ken Stoltenberg, another partner in the restaurant, indicated that Buttacavoli's exit was "the straw that broke the camel's back," significantly impacting Cena's operation. Economic challenges, particularly a notably poor summer sales season, further contributed to the closure, as customers have become more frugal with their spending. The restaurant had previously struggled with intermittent closures due to hurricanes and flooding, which diminished its customer base. Cena opened in 2013 to critical acclaim but has ultimately succumbed to a combination of leadership changes and economic pressures.

The neighboring pizza restaurant Bread & Butta has also closed as a result of these shifts, suggesting broader impacts on the local food scene. Stoltenberg expressed that he will not seek to reopen a new business in the Channel District, indicating a significant change in the area's dining options. This closure underscores the vulnerability of restaurants amid economic uncertainty and changing consumer habits.