South Tampa foodies will have a few surprises next year.

Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant will close on Jan. 1, 2012.

But don’t fret. The business will simply relocate from its building at 1502 S. Howard Ave. to the former Circles South Tampa at 2500 W. Azeele St.

Ceviche general manager Brian Mulay said that the tapas restaurant should reopen at the new location on Jan. 15.

What to expect?

“Ceviche will still have the same great menu and the same great atmosphere,” said Mulay.

Instead, Circles South Tampa will reopen in Carrollwood in February 2012 as Circles Bistro, according to its Facebook page.

Longtime South Tampa restaurateur Gordon Davis has partnered up with  businessman Kevin Enderle to launch a new Samba Room in the South Howard Avenue building that has hosted Ceviche since 2008.

Previously, Enderle had helped launch the former Samba Room in Hyde Park Village, which is now Timpano Italian Chophouse, both businesses being part of the E-Brands company.

Once featuring Latin Cuban cuisine, the new Samba Room will incorporate Caribbean, Spanish and South American flavors with live entertainment four nights a week.

“It will be a casual place to dance and have cocktails,” said Davis, who is also the owner of Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club down the street.

Davis said that at least part of Samba Room — the lounge area and one dining room - will open at the end of January 2012.

Davis’ Smoke Barbecue and Grill, which has been closed since the summer, is evolving into Boca Kitchen and Market and will open at 901 W. Platt St. in mid-January 2012.

Davis said that Boca will feature rustic American cuisine with a local and fresh menu that will change all the time and will offer a liquor bar with a vast selection of whiskeys and bourbons.