January 04, 2017

Orangetheory Fitness Planned For Growing 1st Ave S in Downtown St. Pete

January 04, 2017/ Anthony Close

Even through times of recession, when many storefronts became shuttered and vacant, Central Avenue has always been Downtown St. Pete’s major commercial corridor. However, in the wake of Downtown St. Pete’s economic renaissance, many new businesses have opened and flourished throughout downtown — most prominently along Central Avenue.

It’s simple supply and demand. As more businesses continue to move into the neighborhood, that leaves less vacant space for future retail tenants. As a result, retailers and restaurants are beginning to branch out from Central Ave and consider the streets adjacent to it. One such street is 1st Avenue S.

January 03, 2017

Mini Doughnut Factory to Open in St. Pete This Spring

January 03, 2017/ Brian Zucker

Having debuted just over a year ago in Tampa, Mini Doughnut Factory has been a runaway hit for owners Patrick and Zezura Ruddell. Every weekend, the line stretches out the door as patrons patiently wait to indulge in the Factory’s made-to-order mini morsels.

The mini doughnuts are approximately one third the size of a regular doughnut and come in 16 different flavors (or you can create your own). One of the most popular flavors is the Sweet Pig, which is a vanilla cake doughnut with maple icing and bacon. Another favorite is the Peanut Butter Crunch, vanilla cake doughnut with peanut butter icing and crushed butterfingers. There are so many great flavors available and thanks to their small size, you won’t have to choose just one. The doughnuts come in packs of 3, 6, 16, 25 or 35. There are also gluten-free doughnuts available.

December 15, 2016

New York-style Rooftop Terrace and Restaurant Renovations Coming to Station House in Early 2017

December 15, 2016/ Anthony Close

Station House, which opened in 2014, will undergo urban upgrades beginning the first week of 2017. Located at 260 1st Ave S in Downtown St. Petersburg, the historic building, is home to five floors of tech, food, co-work, and pop-up space.

Among the urban upgrades planned are the addition of a “New York-style rooftop garden terrace." The new garden terrace will have a pergola shade system and extensive green-space with foliage and vines that will rival New York City’s best rooftops. The rooftop will be used primarily for intimate parties and dining.

December 15, 2016

A New Southern-Inspired Kitchen and Cocktail Bar Opens in Downtown St. Pete

December 15, 2016/ Brian Zucker

Two weeks ago, Proper: Kitchen & Cocktails quietly fired up the smoker and began serving their southern-influenced cuisine at 344 1st Ave. South in Downtown St. Pete. It was a great day for Stephen Schrutt, owner of Proper, as his new restaurant became jam-packed with friends and family eager to experience the new downtown eatery.

The journey to opening day wasn't an easy one though. The concept for Proper was originally conceived before KINGS Street Food Counter, a modern-style diner specializing in grilled cheese and street food that Schrutt opened in 2015. Proper ended up going on the back burner while he looked for the right location. "I didn't want to do Proper without full liquor. It's a southern kitchen and cocktail bar. To me, those went hand-in-hand. However, I can say that the concept and talent in that building today is amazing," says Schrutt.

December 07, 2016

Rowdies Announce Campaign to Bring Major League Soccer to St. Pete

December 07, 2016/ Anthony Close

Tuesday night, Tampa Bay Rowdies owner Bill Edwards announced an ambitious campaign to bring Major League Soccer to St. Petersburg. In an electric presentation at The Birchwood in Downtown St. Pete, Edwards energized fans about the future of the team saying, “We are committed to expanding the world’s game right here in downtown St. Petersburg, and we feel strongly that joining Major League Soccer is the next logical step.”

In vying for an MLS franchise, Edwards also revealed an $80 million expansion project that would increase Al Lang Stadium’s capacity to around 18,000.