Haven, the beloved Hyde Park restaurant from Bern’s Steak House Group, is closing for good on May 21, 2026. But before you spiral into a full existential crisis about Tampa’s dining scene, here’s some news that should soften the blow: Bern’s is replacing it with something that sounds incredibly exciting.
The restaurant group announced today that Peddler + Potter Oyster House will take over the 2208 W Morrison Ave space, targeting a fall 2027 opening. That’s right, a seafood-focused oyster house from one of the most respected restaurant operations in the country, right here in South Tampa. It’s the kind of announcement that makes you want to immediately cancel your summer plans and just…wait.
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Executive Chef Chad Johnson, who helmed Haven for years, is the driving force behind Peddler + Potter. He describes it as a concept he’s been developing for years, which, honestly, tracks. Good things take time. Great things take longer. And if Bern’s track record is any indication, this one’s going to be worth it.
In a press release, Chef Johnson said, “It’s a bittersweet moment for many of us, as Haven has been home to so many incredible memories and played such an important role in shaping how we think about food and hospitality. We’re excited to share something new with Tampa while honoring everything that Haven has meant to our team and our guests.”
The concept centers on a daily-changing seafood menu driven entirely by what’s freshest at that moment, anchored by a raw bar spotlighting Florida oysters. The kitchen features a custom-built hearth from Grills by Demant and a Montague range, all in full view of diners, because apparently Peddler + Potter isn’t afraid to show its work. The beverage program builds on Bern’s famously staggering wine collection, tailored specifically around seafood pairings.
The design team includes Kimmich Smith Architecture, JAI The Collective, TBCI Design, Nelson Construction, and Vers Creative, which is a impressive lineup for a restaurant that’s still over a year from opening. Also, most of Haven’s staff will be sticking around within the Bern’s Steak House Group, which means the hospitality you’ve come to love isn’t going anywhere.
Haven’s final service is Thursday, May 21, so you’ve still got a few weeks to say your goodbyes. And then, roughly 18 months later, you’ll have a spectacular reason to come back to the same address. Stay tuned to That’s So Tampa for more updates.
