Photo by Trei Johnson
From new restaurants and coffee shops to business moves, reopenings, and local milestones, here’s a look at some of the business news from May in Gulfport, St. Pete, and the beaches.
Gulfport Business News
O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille
O’Maddy’s Bar & Grille has added its long-anticipated second-floor outdoor space with water views, a separate upstairs seafood menu and house beer brewed on site at 5405 Shore Blvd. S. in Gulfport.
Gulf Beaches Business News
Banyan Breeze Kava & Coffee
Banyan Breeze Kava & Coffee opened May 9 at 16907 Gulf Blvd. in North Redington Beach, adding a relaxed family-owned coffee and kava bar near the beach. The opening grew out of a long-running dream and years spent in the local kava community.
Cafe Riviera
Cafe Riviera is now open at 116 8th Ave. in Pass-a-Grille, taking over the former Paradise To Go space. The family-owned French bistro and bakery comes from sisters Veronica Alfonzo and Rosa Dennis, and features crepes, pastries, and beachside bites.
The Shop on the Boulevard
The Shop on the Boulevard opened May 10 at 7217 Gulf Blvd. in Sundeck Plaza on St. Pete Beach, bringing a rotating mix of resale, new and used goods, eclectic gifts, and work from local artists to the boulevard.
Photo by Hailey Rank
St. Petersburg Business News
Blue Urban Project Thrift
Blue Urban Project Thrift opened at 1620 Central Ave. in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. The store is run by The Blue Urban Project, a veteran-founded nonprofit focused on coastal resilience, marine conservation, community education, disaster response, and support for veterans and vulnerable residents.
Buttermilk Eatery
Buttermilk Eatery is coming to 2601 Central Ave. in the Grand Central District, taking over the former Urban Brew & BBQ space. This is the third location for the breakfast and lunch spot known for big portions and a robot server. The other two locations are in north St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park.
Ember & Rose
Ember & Rose Designs is expected to open at 1916 Central Ave. in the Grand Central District, mixing candles, florals and hands-on classes.
Gypsea Blooms
Gypsea Blooms opened May 19 a bouquet bar at 1622 Central Ave. in the Grand Central District. The floral shop brings build-your-own bouquets, gifts and workshops to the district, making it part shopping stop, part experience and part custom gift destination.
Jackson’s Gastropub
Jackson’s Gastropub opened at the beginning of May at 1700 34th St. S. in St. Pete, bringing New Orleans and Creole-inspired dishes to the neighborhood. The menu includes gumbo, po’boys, jambalaya, baked oysters and craft cocktails.
Magnolia Soap and Bath Company
Magnolia Soap and Bath Company has opened its St. Pete franchise shop at 655 Central Ave., taking over the former Three Dog Bakery space. The store offers the brand’s signature handmade soaps, bath products, candles and customizable items made without preservatives, plus space for parties and DIY experiences.
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Photo by Ester Venouziou
Mozzarella Mike
Mozzarella Mike is bringing a new paninoteca to 2319 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N. in Historic Uptown. The concept turns years of pop-ups, events and mozzarella-making classes into a permanent storefront, with artisan sandwiches, fresh mozzarella, wine and Italian goods on the menu.
Penny Lane Beatles Museum
Penny Lane Beatles Museum is moving from Dunedin to a larger space at 146 Second St. N. in downtown St. Pete, inside the historic Palais Royale building.
Rocking Delicious
Rocking Delicious has opened a second location at 400 Beach Dr. in downtown St. Pete, taking over the former Sweet Divas space on the corner of Fourth Avenue North. The candy shop is known for handmade chocolates, nostalgic treats and its original Safety Harbor storefront.
Say Coffee House
Say Coffee House opened May 2 at 2414 Central Ave., bringing Vietnamese coffee, matcha drinks, teas and specialty lattes to Grand Central. Owner Haley Huynh also owns Sip Tea Boba in Pinellas Park.
Sylvia’s Waffles
Sylvia’s Waffles has closed after building a following as a longtime vendor at the Saturday Morning Market. The owners are looking to sell the trailer and/or the business.
31 South Speakeasy
31 South Speakeasy opened May 1 at St. Petersburg Distillery (800 31st St. S.) bringing cocktails, jazz and a dimly lit lounge to the Warehouse Arts District.
Your Business is Our Business
No one knows more about small businesses in Pinellas County than Ester Venouziou, founder of LocalShops1 and Shopapalooza Festival. Send her your business tips and news at ester@localshops1.com.
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