The Legacy of Ciccio: How Water + Flour Built a Tampa Empire on Respect and Healthy Vibes
Water + Flour isn't just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Tampa dining history, deeply rooted in the story and philosophy of the Ciccio Restaurant Group (CRG). While we know and love the diverse menu of sushi, bowls, pasta, and pizza, the true magic of this SoHo spot lies in the powerful family legacy and strong business culture that underpin every naturally fermented crust and perfectly crafted Cali bowl.
This isn't just about food—it’s about the story of a father, a visionary move, and a deep commitment to the Tampa Bay community.
The Genesis: From Fortune 100 to Florida's Food Scene
The journey of CRG, and therefore Water + Flour, begins not in a sunny Florida kitchen, but in the fast-paced world of New York City over 25 years ago. The group was founded by James Lanza, and is proudly named after his father, the late Frank (Ciccio) Lanza. Frank was no small-time entrepreneur; he was a successful Fortune 100 CEO and the founder of L3 Communications.
When James Lanza brought a branch of the original Ciccio and Tony's down to South Tampa, he came for the opening but stayed for the culture. He "fell in love with the healthy mindset of the Tampa Bay area" and recognized Florida as a wide-open market ripe for innovation and expansion. This wasn't a business decision based just on demographics; it was a realization that Tampa perfectly aligned with a commitment to clean, energetic living—a commitment that defines every brand CRG has since created.
💖 A Legacy of Leadership: The Ciccio Way
The heart of Water + Flour’s success isn't the brick oven or the sushi counter; it's the ethical business code instilled by its namesake, Frank "Ciccio" Lanza. The company explicitly states that they measure their success through repeat customers and a strong culture amongst its team members.
This legacy is a promise: "The Ciccio Restaurant Group continues to carry out his legacy in treating vendors, team members, and guests with the utmost respect."
For the diner, this means the vibe is authentic. When the staff is engaged and respected, they deliver exceptional service. When vendors are treated well, the ingredients are top-notch. And when guests feel that respect, they become the "repeat customers" who fuel the brand's ongoing success. This core philosophy ensures that the service experience at Water + Flour is as consistently excellent as the food itself.
📍 The SoHo Hub: Location and Operating Hours
Water + Flour is cemented in the pulse of South Tampa, operating out of a prime location that has historically been the testing ground for CRG innovation:
Address: 1015 South Howard Ave, Tampa, Florida 33606
Phone: 813-251-8406
The hours are designed to capture every dining opportunity, from early lunch until late dinner:
The dedication to a full Weekend Brunch (11a - 3p) on both Saturday and Sunday underscores the full-service commitment of this flagship location.
🤝 Joining the Culture: Careers and Catering
The success of Water + Flour is dependent on its people, and the restaurant actively seeks to hire based on passion: "If curating unique and memorable guest experiences through exceptional service is your thing, we would love to hear from you!" This call to JOIN OUR TEAM is more than recruitment—it’s an invitation to join a culture built on strong leadership and mutual respect.
Furthermore, the dedication to service is extended through their CATERING operations, offering their famously diverse menu for large groups. Contacting them is easy with a dedicated number (813-845-0115) and email (catering@waterandfloursoho.com), proving they are equipped to bring the "Ciccio Way" of exceptional service to any event.
Water + Flour is far more than a restaurant with a great menu. It’s a thriving testament to a powerful legacy, a respect for community, and a commitment to health and quality that began over 25 years ago. Every bite of fresh sushi and every slice of fermented pizza carries the spirit of Frank "Ciccio" Lanza—a leader who showed that success is truly measured by the way you treat people.
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