Zephr Hills CRA approves $50,000 grant for new Trotteria Napoli

The Zephr Hills Community Redevelopment Agency approved a $50,000 grant on June 8 to support plans by a local chef to open Trotteria Napoli in a former Tubby’s building.

Miss Hamilton introduced the application and asked commissioners to consider the grant before the city council meeting. An individual identified in the record as Matthew described a 20‑plus‑year career in restaurant kitchens and said he plans a casual Italian concept focusing on pizza and fresh pasta. “When I had the opportunity to, you know, lease this space here, it was exciting because… it being the culmination of my entire life and career being Italian food,” Matthew said.

Staff and the building official reviewed the application and recommended approval, telling commissioners the project meets CRA grant requirements. Staff reported the full project investment is about $122,000 and that the grant would cover $50,000 of eligible costs, including interior and exterior improvements and parking work. City commissioners raised no substantive objections; Commissioner Kenneth Burgess moved to approve business item 1.2 and the motion carried.

The grant is intended to secure a neighborhood restaurant tenant and improve the building and parking area in the CRA district. Council members welcomed the applicant and asked about a prospective opening date. Staff noted one site constraint discovered during the permitting process — the applicant cannot use limestone in the parking area — and said the business will absorb the additional cost.

The council did not attach conditions beyond standard permitting and departmental review. The applicant will proceed to finalize building permits and construction scheduling with city staff.