March 26, 2025

Melting Pot fondue restaurant announces opening date for new downtown St. Pete location

March 26, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

After shuttering its long-standing location on 4th Street in 2020, the Melting Pot is finally making its return to St. Petersburg on April 7th.

Front Burner Brands, the Tampa-based company that manages the Melting Pot brand of fondue restaurants, will open its new 4,900-square-foot restaurant at 699 Central Avenue on the corner of 7th Street and Central Avenue.

“We’re thrilled to return to St. Petersburg, especially as we celebrate 50 years of fondue and unforgettable memories,” said Melting Pot CEO Bob Johnston.

“Melting Pot has been part of this community for 30 years, and guest demand made it clear—we needed to come back. This new Central Avenue location brings a fresh, modern take on the fondue experience we’re known for, and we can’t wait to welcome both new and returning guests.”

March 25, 2025

St. Pete Beach wine bar Sip finds new home in downtown St. Pete

March 25, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The coastal-casual wine bar and shop, Sip, is leaving St. Pete Beach and bringing its curated wine selection and events to downtown St. Pete.

Currently operating until the end of March at 6710 Gulf Boulevard, Sip will relocate to a 700-square-foot space on the ground floor of the 5th Ave Loft Apartments at 442 2nd Street North in downtown St. Pete.

The space was previously home to Must Wine Loft, a European-style wine and cheese destination that closed late last year.

“It’s time to leave the beach,” Sip owner Christiane Hall told St. Pete Rising.

March 24, 2025

Plate Sushi Grill & Lounge, from the owner of Mangosteen, coming to Grand Central District

March 24, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The owner of several local Asian fusion restaurants is launching a new casual fine dining concept in the Grand Central District.

Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge is bringing an exciting menu featuring Laos-style tacos, octopus ceviche, and yakitori (Japanese skewers) to the ground floor of the Arte luxury apartment building at 1601 Central Avenue, on the corner of 16th Street and Central Avenue.

The new 3,900-square-foot restaurant is the latest concept from Sean Thongsiri, who also owns Mangosteen, The Crane, The Glass Noodle, and Green Pagoda.

Plate is expected to open this summer, business partner Matt Pengtakoon shared in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

March 21, 2025

New Howard Frankland Bridge opens next week after four years of construction

March 21, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

After four years of construction, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will open the new Howard Frankland Bridge on Tuesday, March 25th.

Weather permitting, traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge late Monday night into early Tuesday morning.

FDOT officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 24th, at 10 a.m. for the new $865 million span, which serves motorists traveling on Interstate 275 between Tampa and St. Petersburg.

The new bridge features eight lanes: four general-use lanes in each direction, two tolled express lanes southbound (toward St. Petersburg), and two tolled express lanes northbound (toward Tampa).

March 20, 2025

New coastal restaurant SouthSeas Tapas to open at SkyBeach Resort in St. Pete

March 20, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A tropical-themed restaurant and bar with French and Asian influences will debut inside St. Pete’s SkyBeach Marina and Resort.

Located at 6800 Sunshine Skyway Lane South, just beyond the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, SouthSeas Tapas will honor the property's history as the former Outrigger Inn—a beloved 1960s retreat known for its Polynesian dining, lush décor, exotic cocktails, and Hawaiian-inspired performances.

"While researching the former Outrigger Inn, we stumbled upon vintage advertisements and promotional materials for the hotel's restaurant, including a vintage cocktail menu. These served as our inspiration for SouthSeas Tapas, including how we decided to name the restaurant," said Executive Chef of SkyBeach Hotel and Marina Chef Tom Legg.