New upscale restaurant coming to downtown Bradenton from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani

Taverna Toscana, an upscale Italian steakhouse and seafood restaurant from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, is slated to open in early 2024 in downtown Bradenton.

Viviani, who appeared on two seasons of Bravo’s “Top Chef” and earned the title of “fan favorite,” is partnering with local restaurant group BABB Hospitality and Bradenton entrepreneur Steve Herrig on Taverna Toscana.

The 220-seat restaurant is planned for 7,500-square feet of space to the north of the SUNZ Insurance high-rise building at 1301 Sixth Ave. W.

There is expected to be plenty of on-site parking. Valet parking will also be available.

Viviani’s hospitality empire includes over 30 concepts nationwide, including Florida restaurants Taverna Costale and Chuck Lager America’s Tavern.

In 2005, Viviani moved from Italy to United States and has since opened three dozen food establishments, restaurants, bars and event spaces and served as spokesperson for several international brands, according to his website.

“With over 10 millions meals served each year Fabio Viviani Hospitality is one of the leading Restaurant Groups in the U.S.,” the website said.

Herrig is CEO of SUNZ Insurance, a national worker compensation insurance company based in Bradenton.

In 2022, he bought two acres adjacent to the SUNZ Insurance building, an assemblage of three neighboring parcels at 1301 8th Ave. W., 817 14th St. W., and 826 13th St. W.

Herrig has previously expressed strong interest in the revitalization of the downtown area.

“Downtown Bradenton is seeing incredible growth, and this land provides a strong investment opportunity for the buyer,” Jag Grewal, a partner at Ian Black Real Estate, said in a 2022 press release. “Given that he also owns the adjacent block, it seemed like a natural extension of his existing commercial real estate portfolio.”

A sign on the SUNZ property says that fans and future diners can text TOSCANA to 805-991-5126 to stay in the know on the restaurant’s opening and to be added to their VIP list.