Rooster & the Till Unveils Lineup of Guest Kitchen and Bar Takeovers

Tampa, Fla. – Aug. 14, 2025 – Proper House Group (PHG) announced the lineup for its 10th annual guest chef dinner series at Rooster & the Till, this year with a twist. The Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient has become a culinary destination, drawing acclaimed chefs to its kitchen and bringing celebrity culinary expertise to Tampa Bay.

After a decade of the guest series, Chef Ferrell Alvarez and General Manager Karlyn Muzik are shaking things up. They’ve invited talented local chefs, familiar Rooster & the Till faces, notable bars, and a celebrity chef from Nashville to take over the kitchen and bars.

Over six nights, Rooster & the Till will hand the reins to: Chef Rob Reinsmith of Slim Charmer; Cara Dozier and Hugo Llanos, beloved former Rooster mixologists; Chef Suz Lara, formerly a Rooster sous chef and now owner of Lara; a takeover from Otto’s High Dive of Orlando; and Chef Brian Baxter, formerly of The Catbird Seat in Nashville. Each bar takeover will include elevated snacks by Rooster & the Till’s chef de cuisine, Luke Hand.

The takeovers will showcase Rooster & the Till’s warm, upbeat spirit and offer guests a unique yet approachable culinary experience, accompanied by a high-energy playlist curated by PHG music director DJ Casper.

“We’re excited to shake up our guest series after a decade — our goal is always to keep things fresh and new. It was important for us to spotlight local talent like Rob Reinsmith and Suz Lara, and to welcome back team favorites Cara and Hugo, who guests keep asking about; their returns feel like guest-star appearances. At the same time, we wanted to bring in cool influences from outside Tampa, like Otto’s High Dive in Orlando and Chef Brian Baxter from Tennessee. We want guests to kick back, hang out with us, and dive into an interactive experience that’s distinctly PHG: not pretentious, just unexpected — good friends, good vibes.”

— Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Chef Partner, Proper House Group

The Lineup

Chef Rob Reinsmith — August 24

Chef Rob Reinsmith of Slim Charmer will take over the kitchen for one night only. Known for bold flavors and precise technique shaped by global influences, Reinsmith built his reputation at Slim Charmer and Wild Child, where seasonal menus, responsible sourcing, and a rule of disruption keep the unexpected on the table. Expect a high-energy, unapologetic service forged across the bridge and inspired by New York City. Reservations required.

Cara Dozier & Hugo Llanos — September 16

Everyone’s favorite bartenders are back for one night only. Cara Dozier, a former bar manager, and Hugo Llanos, a mixologist, will be serving both classic and new cocktails. Cara is fresh off a mountain escape; Hugo is heating up Miami’s cocktail scene. Together they bring bold flavors, upbeat energy, and, as always, pour exceptional drinks. Walk-ins only.

Chef Suz Lara — October 26

Chef Suz Lara will return to the Rooster & the Till kitchen for one night only. A Tampa native, former Rooster sous chef, and now chef-owner of Lara in Ybor City, Lara will serve a special menu showcasing her bold flavors, refined technique, and distinctive style. A homecoming not to miss. Reservations required.

Otto’s High Dive — November 18

Otto’s High Dive, an Orlando-based bar rooted in Cuban hospitality and community, will bring its signature bold rum cocktails and vibrant energy to Rooster & the Till for a one-night-only takeover. Co-owner Justin Levaughn will be behind the bar, serving up the flavors that earned Otto’s a Michelin Bib Gourmand and recognition in the Michelin Guide’s Exceptional Cocktails Awards in 2024. Founded by the son of Cuban immigrants and a Florida-raised bartender, Otto’s blends the soul of Old Havana with modern Florida flair. Walk-ins only.

Chef Brian Baxter — December 14

Rooster & the Till will celebrate its 12th anniversary this December with a special kitchen takeover by Florida native Chef Brian Baxter, featuring a six-course tasting menu. Baxter recently completed his fifth term as executive chef of The Catbird Seat in Nashville, where he showcased a produce-driven, sustainability-focused culinary style shaped by years of working alongside top chefs. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and recognized as one of OpenTable’s “Southern Chefs to Watch” in 2016, Baxter’s creativity extends beyond the kitchen — he has developed a passion for watercolor, merging both talents in his debut cookbook, In the Catbird Seat. This experience is currently sold out.

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Doors for every experience open at 6pm. Final menus will be released closer to the event date. For more information and reservations, visit roosterandthetill.com.