A new dessert spot will debut soon on Central Avenue’s beloved 600 block. Chiki Churros Dessert Bar is opening at 685 Central Avenue, which was previously home to The Lure Ono.

Ono, which is a sister concept of The Lure, announced the closure of their restaurant last month on social media. The social post also stated that “this is not goodbye as we are looking to re-open Ono again in a different location.”

Chiki Churros will offer a wide selection of fresh hand-made churros, ice cream, milkshakes, slushes, coffee, and homemade sodas.

Traditionally, churros are sticks of fried dough rolled in cinnamon and sugar.  The dessert is popular in Spain and Portugal, where they are typically sold by street vendors who fry them freshly on the street and sell them hot.

The new dessert concept is being brought to St. Pete by Louka Strongylos, who recently relocated to the Sunshine City from Montreal.

“My family and I were tired of Canadian winters, so we packed up and moved,” said Strongylos. “We did what we have always talked about and moved somewhere warm!”

At Chiki Churros, churro sticks will be served with a choice of dipping sauce, including Nutella chocolate, caramel, and dulce de leche.

In addition to offering tradition-style churros, Chiki Churros will also serve the dessert in a few new ways.

As an ode to Strongylos’ home country of Canada, a “churro poutine” will be available consisting of smaller bite-sized churro pieces covered in toppings and drizzled with chocolate, caramel, or dulce de leche sauce.

A churro corndog, which is a hot dog wrapped in a churro, will also be on the menu.

Strongylos grew up in the hospitality industry, learning the business from his father. When he turned 21, he opened his own restaurant. Over the years, he’s owned numerous businesses with his brother and father.

When COVID hit a few years ago, all bars and restaurants in Montreal closed. Strongylos had to figure out another way to make a living, so he created Chiki Churros, a ghost kitchen concept that he could install in other restaurants.

“In addition to being forced to innovate because of COVID, I’ve been in the bar business my entire life working late nights and dealing with difficult people. I wanted a business that was family friendly, where people can come in with their kids and be happy,” said Strongylos.

If the St. Pete location is a success, there are plans to bring Chiki Churros to other cities around Tampa Bay.

“We cannot wait to introduce St. Pete to Chiki Churros,” said Strongylos. “We are so excited to be part of the 600 block of Central Avenue and St. Petersburg.”

Chiki Churros Dessert Bar is expected to debut in August at 685 Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Be sure to follow St Pete Rising on social media for an announcement on the soft opening, which will include FREE CHURROS!