The impressive array of food options at Armature Works in Tampa Heights continues to grow with award-winning Orlando vegan restaurant Dixie Dharma.
Dixie Dharma’s vegan cuisine with a southern spin features signature dishes like the Orange Bird, their take on a sloppy Joe, Hillbilly Chili Dawgs, the Heirloom TLT, the Florida Fried Green Tomato, and the Carolina BBQ Pulled Jackfruit. There is also a limited brunch menu with vegan pancakes, biscuits n’ gravy, and breakfast burritos.
Dixie Dharma has already established itself as a popular eatery in central Florida, with two locations in Orlando and one in Sanford. Owner and Executive Chef Shaun Noonan got his start working at fine dining restaurants in Atlanta, Orlando, Chicago, and Bulgaria, according to Dixie Dharma’s website. He then drove a semi-truck for a time, immersing himself in southern cooking as he traveled and saving the money to launch his own restaurant.
Dixie Dharma is the latest established name to open a location at Armature Works and another unique addition to its Heights Public Market, the 22,000-square-foot upscale food hall that has become a destination for foodies from across Tampa Bay and Florida.
In March, Armature Works, Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club, Boca, and Ichicoro pooled resources to open the rooftop restaurant and lounge called M. Bird for Florida's state bird, the Mockingbird.
Noonan says Tampa’s thriving food scene and his ties to the area led him to pick Armature Works for his first location outside the Orlando area.
“Growing up an Army brat and with my father stationed at MacDill, I’ve long considered Tampa one of my homes,” he says. “I think Tampa is on the cusp of having its culinary breakthrough. I couldn’t be more excited to be part of this community.”
An Armature Works representative says there will be additional announcements of new vendors in the Heights Public Market in the near future.
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