There’s never a dull moment in Downtown St. Petersburg! Along with the updates below, we had a few new businesses open their doors, including an athletic facility, a barbershop and a leasing office. Also, an urban farm and a coffee shop announced expansions. Lastly, we were in a magazine, we launched a new aerial photography column, and we looked ahead to 2020.

As many of you are aware, we write a column every month called Downtown Developments for Green Bench Monthly, a local community magazine. In the column, we highlight everything coming soon to Downtown St. Pete, including new restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. We also reveal new tower renderings, announce townhome projects, and much more. A few months ago, we started publishing that column right here on St. Pete Rising, in addition to Green Bench Monthly!

Want the news first? Be sure to follow us! Most of what we discuss in Downtown Developments has already been posted to either our website, newsletter, Facebook, or Instagram. With Downtown Developments, you’ll never miss the latest Downtown St. Pete news.

Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern is coming soon to 29 3rd Street North (formerly Sea Dog Pub DTSP) on the Jannus Block in Downtown St Pete. From the owners of The Galley, Mary Margaret's menu will include classic items like the Proper Shepherd’s Pie with lamb, Kennedy’s Corned Beef and Cabbage, and The Reuben Sandwich with Guinness Gravy. In true St. Pete style, there will be real options for vegans too, such as a vegan shepherd’s pie. As for the drink selection, Mary Margaret’s plans to have the largest selection of Irish whiskey in the area, including high-end offerings like Green Spot, Middleton Very Rare, and Red Breast. A grand opening is planned for the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, March 14th-15th, and of course on the big day March 17th, as well.

Rumba Island Bar & Grill is coming soon to 6445 4th Street North (formerly WingHouse). Rumba, which has two additional locations in Clearwater and Oldsmar, gives diners a taste of the islands in a laidback tropical atmosphere. Menu items include favorites like the Island-Style Quesadillas and Jerked Smoked Chicken Wings for starters and the signature Rumba Salad with Grouper, Crispy Coconut Shrimp and the Caribbean Pulled Pork for an entree. And best of all, sangria, classic margaritas and well cocktails are two-for-one all day every day. Construction on the new restaurant is well underway, however there is no expected opening date.

Chicken Salad Chick is coming soon to 1221 4th Street North (formerly China City). The eatery specializes in twelve varieties of made-from-scratch chicken salads, served either by the scoop or on a sandwich. Although the restaurant offers traditional chicken salad, why not try something new like the Kickin’ Kay Lynne, made with a combination of buffalo sauce, ranch, bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and Sriracha. Chicken Salad Chick is currently in permitting and plans to open sometime in 2020, although an exact date has not yet been announced. 

MÜV (pronounced “move”), a medical cannabis dispensary, is coming soon to 1101 1st Avenue North in the EDGE District. They will offer an extensive selection of medical marijuana products including flower, pre-rolls, a wide range of vaporizer pens, topicals, oral sprays, and more. All of MÜV’s cannabis is grown in a state-of-the-art indoor facility in Apollo Beach, just a short trip across the Skyway Bridge. For convenience, an independent medical marijuana doctor has leased the space next to MÜV. Buildout on both the doctor’s office and dispensary began at the end of January and should open toward the end of April.

Petworks, a holistic cat and dog market, is now open at 1 Beach Drive SE #106 on the ground floor of Bayfront Tower. They offer the healthiest foods and treats, only safe toys and accessories, and all natural wellness products. PetWorks doesn’t carry any products from China, plus they offer local 2-hour delivery. Your fur family will love PetWorks!