March 31, 2025

Downtown favorite Paradeco Coffee Roasters opens stunning new waterfront location in south St. Pete

March 31, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Downtown St. Petersburg’s beloved Paradeco Coffee Roasters is bringing its signature blend of specialty coffee and Art Deco charm to the waterfront with a second location in the Skyway Marina District.

The specialty coffee shop and cafe, which currently operates in the Plaza Tower & Courtyard Shops in downtown St. Pete, has quietly debuted at the newly revamped SkyBeach Resort, located at 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South.

The new poolside coffee spot, which features an impressive 3D-printed bar made from renewable and recyclable materials, is one of the latest additions to the 18-acre property, formerly known as the Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove, which recently underwent a significant rebrand and renovation after being purchased.

Impressed by the waterfront setting and extensive renovations at SkyBeach, husband-and-wife duo Thomas Maloney and Sonya Sarkar hope to replicate their downtown success in the resort’s more relaxed, coastal environment.

February 25, 2025

Forbici Modern Italian to take over Sea Salt space at Sundial in downtown St. Pete

February 25, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Forbici Modern Italian, one of Tampa’s most celebrated Italian restaurants, is set to open a new location in downtown St. Pete’s Sundial shopping complex.

Initially, Forbici was expected to occupy the ground-floor space previously home to Locale Market. However, the restaurant will now take over the 12,000-square-foot second-floor space formerly occupied by Sea Salt, which closed on December 31st, at 183 2nd Avenue North.

An official opening date has not yet been announced. Before welcoming guests, Forbici will renovate the space, though specific improvements are unknown.

February 22, 2025

Chipotle sets opening date for first drive-thru 'Chipotlane' in St. Pete

February 22, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

St. Petersburg’s newest Chipotle Mexican Grill officially has an opening date.

The popular fast-casual chain, known for its burritos and bowls, is set to welcome customers at 3901 34th Street South in the Skyway Marina District starting at 10:45 a.m. on Monday February 24th.

The restaurant will feature something new for St. Pete — the Chipotlane, a drive-thru pickup lane allowing guests to grab digital orders without leaving their cars.

The Chipotlane concept launched in the U.S. in 2018 to increase digital orders and provide a faster, more convenient experience for guests ordering in advance.

February 21, 2025

Drew Brees-backed cheeseburger concept Smalls Sliders coming to St. Pete

February 21, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Louisiana-based cheeseburger sliders concept, backed by former NFL legend Drew Brees, is set to debut one of its first Tampa Bay restaurants in St. Pete.

Smalls Sliders will open its first local location at 8624 Fourth Street North in north St. Pete, near the 92-unit townhome community Terraces at 87th, according to plans submitted by franchisee Purple Square Management.

Smalls Sliders refers to its restaurants as "cans" because they typically consist of a 750-square-foot shipping container converted into a bright orange drive-thru, serving made-to-order all-beef cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries, and shakes.

The “cans” are constructed offsite in a climate-controlled factory and later “dropped” at various restaurant locations. They feature a double-lane drive-thru, a walk-up window, and outdoor patio seating.e

February 18, 2025

Downtown St. Pete sports bar The Avenue to close after 13 years

February 18, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

Beloved downtown St. Pete restaurant and bar The Avenue will permanently close its doors this weekend after 13 years in business.

In a conversation with St. Pete Rising, owner Stephen Schrutt says his lease at 330 1st Avenue South is ending soon and he was not able to come to terms on a new lease with his landlord. The Avenue will not relocate.

The downtown neighborhood burger joint and sports bar will host a “Last Call” party on Saturday, February 22nd, for customers to raise a glass one last time before the final goodbye.