Photo by Cameron Healy
From new restaurants and coffee shops to business moves, reopenings, and local milestones, here’s a look at some of the business news from April in Gulfport, St. Pete, and the beaches.
Gulfport Business News
The Wine House & BBQ
The Wine House & BBQ in Gulfport has new hours and specials for the summer. The restaurant now opens at 4 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends. They also have a new “Golden Hour,” weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. with bites and drinks starting at $5, and a late night happy hour from 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The Wine House is at 2913 Beach Blvd. S.
Sober Bar
Sober Bar will open this summer at 3062 Beach Blvd. S. in downtown Gulfport, offering specialty coffee, kava, and zero-proof cocktails. Owned by Sean Hawthorne and Collin Horton, the concept blends a daytime café with a New Orleans-style speakeasy lounge at night, focused on nonalcoholic, functional drinks.
Photo courtesy of Sean Hawthorne
Gulf Beaches Business News
Saltwater Hippie
Saltwater Hippie has reopened in Madeira Beach at 15045 Madeira Way, returning after a move that was delayed by hurricane damage and years of setbacks. The longtime local favorite is back as a full beach bar, surf shop, and live music venue, with an upgraded kitchen serving smoked BBQ alongside drinks.
Burger Monger
Burger Monger is now open at 1530 Pasadena Ave. S. in South Pasadena, in the former Kelly’s Roast Beef space. Owner Jake Hickton opened the first Burger Monger in Tampa in 2010 and has since expanded across the region. Known for its one-third-pound burgers, the menu also includes build-your-own options, sandwiches, wings, and vegetarian choices.
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St. Petersburg Business News
Coastal House Vintage
Coastal House Vintage has moved from its original Gulfport shop at 919 49th St. S. to a larger space at 2820 1st Ave. N. in St. Pete’s Grand Central District, expanding from about 500 to 1,700 square feet. The new location includes a craft café concept alongside its mix of vintage and handmade goods, with room for more vendors, workshops, and community events.
Crooked Cup Café
Crooked Cup Café is expected to open in July at 4130 5th Ave. N. in Central Oak Park. The neighborhood café will focus on coffee, light food, and a laid-back, community-driven vibe with plans to expand over time, owners Sidney Mrak and Vanna Thackrah said. The space previously housed Tasty Treats Bakery, which closed recently.
DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go
DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go moved from its original Central Avenue spot to 204 1st Ave. N. in the Jannus Block, in St. Pete. The made-to-order pasta concept, known for customizable dishes and quick takeout, takes over the former Moon Mountain space.
La Ca Coffeehouse
La Ca Coffeehouse has opened at 5038 66th St. N. in St. Pete, taking over the former Rose Gold Tea Labs space. The new shop offers specialty coffees and matchas, including Eggpresso Latte and Matcha Brûlée.
Photo courtesy of the City of St. Petersburg
Legacy Business Honorees
The City of St. Petersburg recently named its first set of Legacy Business honorees, one for each of its eight districts. The recognized longtime businesses are Parc Center for Disabilities, Indulgence Medical Day Spa, Red Mesa Restaurant, Harvey’s 4th Street Grill, Bayway Country Store and Butcher Shop, Morean Arts Center, Reed Roofing, and DoMA Home Furnishings.
Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill
Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill is opening a new location at Seminole City Center this summer. This will be the Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurant’s second location in Pinellas. The first one is at 3118 3rd Ave. N., in St. Petersburg’s Kenwood neighborhood.
The Pirate Candy Shop
The Pirate Candy Shop is bringing its Swedish pick-and-mix candy concept to downtown St. Pete, planning a new location at 1614 Central Ave. in the Grand Central District. The shop is known for its colorful imported sweets and build-your-own candy bags. Its first location is at 716 S. Village Circle in Tampa.
Yo-Mama Fried Chicken
Yo-Mama Fried Chicken, a new concept from the owner of Salem’s Fresh Eats, has opened at 1735 34th St. S. in St. Petersburg. The spot takes over a former Salem’s location and focuses on fried chicken meals, tenders, and sides, with a small dine-in space and an emphasis on takeout and drive-through.
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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