Tampa’s Cru Cellars to close Armature Works location, open new restaurant

Cru Cellars is closing its location at Armature Works and turning its Westshore Marina District location into an Italian and Mediterranean eatery called Vela.

Owner Jennifer Bingham announced the news Thursday on the wine bar’s Instagram. It’s all part of the evolution of Cru Hospitality Group, which is behind several bars and restaurants in Tampa Bay, including Bouzy in Hyde Park Village and Small Giant on Water Street.

The transformation of Cru’s Westshore Marina District location into Vela was done to better complement the seaside town atmosphere. The new restaurant will serve dishes like pasta and pizza, and feature an updated cocktail and wine selection. It’s slated to open in August.

While Cru Cellars will no longer be at Armature Works, lovers of the bar and restaurant (and aspiring sommeliers) can still visit the Palma Ceia location to get their fill of small-production wines and steak frites. Bingham said in a news release that the restaurant business is built on change, and Cru Hospitality Group embraces that.

“Chain restaurants are a part of Tampa’s past, but I don’t think that’s the future,” Bingham said in the release.

Vela is at 5232 Bridge St. and will be open for brunch, lunch and dinner.