Catsimatidis to honor in-laws with bronze memorial at 400 Central

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Catsimatidis to honor in-laws with bronze memorial at 400 Central

Just in time for International Sculpture Day on April 26th, New York developer and philanthropist John Catsimatidis Sr. is shining a bronze spotlight on his late in-laws — longtime St. Petersburg residents Albert “Lee” and Jane “Tatiana” Vondersaar.

Catsimatidis and his wife, Margo, have commissioned an eight-foot-tall bronze sculpture, currently in the works, which will stand proudly outside the entrance of the new 46-story Residences at 400 Central in downtown St. Pete.

Local sculptor Mark Aeling, known for his public art across the city, will create the tribute. His past works include First Flight at the St. Pete Pier, Gladiolus at the St. Petersburg Police Headquarters, and the bronze dolphins at Sundial in downtown St. Pete.

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City considers demolishing Rowdies' Al Lang Stadium for envisioned waterfront redevelopment

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City considers demolishing Rowdies' Al Lang Stadium for envisioned waterfront redevelopment

The City of St. Petersburg is exploring the possibility of demolishing Al Lang Stadium—home of the professional soccer team Tampa Bay Rowdies—and replacing it with an amphitheater and a highly activated waterfront park.

On Thursday morning, the St. Petersburg Economic and Workforce Development Committee reviewed initial plans and conceptual renderings for the proposed Center for the Arts District.

The district, located just south of the St. Pete Pier, would stretch from 1st Avenue South to 5th Avenue South and include the Mahaffey Theater, Salvador Dalí Museum, Al Lang Stadium, and the site of the Saturday Morning Market.

Architecture firm ASD | SKY presented the conceptual designs, which reflect a long-term vision for the area. Key components include expanded green space near the Dalí Museum and Mahaffey Theater, a new parking garage with at least 1,100 spaces, a 60,000-square-foot conference center, and 35,000 square feet of new retail space, among other features.

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Popular burger chain Cook Out submits plans for first St. Pete location

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Popular burger chain Cook Out submits plans for first St. Pete location

Cook Out, the Southern fast-food favorite known for its char-grilled burgers and barbecue, is one step closer to opening its first Florida restaurant, located in St. Petersburg.

The North Carolina-based chain has filed plans with the City of St. Pete for an $800,000 buildout at 9595 4th Street North.

The 3,146-square-foot building previously housed a Boston Market, which closed in 2023. It sits across from the Baypoint Commerce Center.

St. Pete Rising first reported Jeremy Reaves, CEO and son of the chain's founder, purchased the property in September 2024 for $2.6 million.

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Fitness retailer Fit2Run to launch new lifestyle concept 6Laps, debut new Central Avenue stores in May

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Fitness retailer Fit2Run to launch new lifestyle concept 6Laps, debut new Central Avenue stores in May

Fit2Run, the beloved Florida-based running retailer, is taking a major step forward in downtown St. Pete. This May, the brand will open two side-by-side retail stores at 801 Central Avenue—an upgraded Fit2Run store and the launch of a brand-new lifestyle concept, 6Laps.

The dual-storefront, spanning a combined 6,643 square feet, represents a new era for the company, which has been serving runners since 2006. Fit2Run will occupy the majority of the space with a 5,143-square-foot location, while 6Laps will take over a smaller, 1,500-square-foot footprint next door.

Though connected by a revolving door, the two stores will operate independently with distinct identities, aesthetics, and product lines.

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Qargo Coffee to open next month, bringing Italian coffee and pastries to the EDGE District

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Qargo Coffee to open next month, bringing Italian coffee and pastries to the EDGE District

Qargo Coffee, a small but rapidly growing coffee company headquartered in Miami, is bringing its Italian coffee and pastries to downtown St. Pete.

The company will open a new 1,200-square-foot café at 924 Central Avenue, located at the base of the 930 Central Flats apartment building. The space was previously home to Indian restaurant Spice Culture Express.

While no opening date has been set, the interior buildout of the café is complete, and employee training has begun.

The concept was first announced on St. Pete Rising in September 2023.

This will be Qargo’s second location in the Tampa Bay region. The company currently operates a kiosk-style café in Tampa's International Plaza and Bay Street mall.

Qargo Coffee uses beans from Lavazza, Italy’s most popular coffee roaster, for its drip coffee, cold brew, and espresso-based drinks.

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