A Tampa sandwich shop known for its New York Italian-American chicken cutlet sandwiches is making its way to St. Pete’s Grand Central District.

Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co., recently recommended by the Michelin Guide, is preparing to open at 2063 Central Avenue, taking over the space formerly home to Little Philly, which closed in December.

The new sandwich shop is expected to debut by the end of 2026.

The menu features a variety of chicken cutlet sandwiches, such as the best-selling Thee Parmesan Don, a chicken parmesan sandwich with house-made red sauce, mozzarella, and grated parmesan.

A smaller lineup of Italian-American deli sandwiches and wraps are also available.

For partner AJ DeSimone, the move across the Bay has been a long time coming.

“Opening a second location in St. Pete seems like the natural progression of a restaurant that starts in Tampa…but we recognize that it’s a completely different market,” DeSimone said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “We’re not trying to ‘Tampa their St. Pete,’ but we want to be a part of their community and bring a type of cuisine that might not be available to them all of the time.”

A California-based franchise known for hot chicken is expanding its footprint in Pinellas County. 

Dave’s Hot Chicken is headed to 4683 Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park, taking over a former Moe’s Southwest Grill, which closed earlier this year.

According to plans submitted to the city, Dave’s Hot Chicken is currently renovating the space—constructing new partition walls, ceilings, and bathrooms, revamping the plumbing and electrical systems, and installing a new kitchen exhaust hood and self-order kiosks.

The 2,300 square-foot, fast-casual restaurant will be able to seat 61 people.

Scott Strahm of King Chicken LLC, the local franchisee of this location, tells St. Pete Rising that the new Pinellas Park storefront will be open by July.

The fast-casual chain is known for its Nashville-style chicken tenders, which can be piled high on a slider or served on top of fries or mac and cheese.

A new sports bar and neighborhood pub quietly opened its doors in south St. Pete last week. 

Jackson’s, a new 3,840 square-feet restaurant, recently made its debut at 1700 34th Street South, just south of Gibbs High School and across from the newly opened Yo-Mama Fried Chicken.

It’s the newest eatery from local restaurateur Dan Soronen, who has owned and operated restaurants in St. Pete since 2005.

He says that Jackson’s offers affordable, quality food in a casual environment. 

“I live in South St. Petersburg, and there’s always talk about the area being a food desert for shopping centers and grocery stores. But on top of that, we really don't really have a lot of quality restaurants in the area,” Soronen tells St. Pete Rising. “So we wanted to open a chef-driven sports bar for everyone that lives here.” 

With a full-liquor bar and a sizable dining room that seats over 100 people, he hopes Jackson’s will fill the need for a locally owned, family-friendly sports bar in the area, noting that new residents in the booming Skyway Marina District need a go-to neighborhood spot. 

Two Daughters Bagels, a locally-owned and operated breakfast spot, is bringing New York bagels to Largo. 

Owner Justin Miller plans to open his new bagel shop this summer at 10593 Ulmerton Road, across the street from the Largo Mall.

The space was formerly home to Miracle Mobility, a retailer specializing in electric wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

He signed the lease last August and has been tirelessly renovating the shop ever since.

“This is a life-long dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to open a legitimate New York bagel shop—not just ‘New York-style,’” Miller tells St. Pete Rising. “I wasn’t satisfied with any of the other bagels in the area, and was determined I could do it better. And so I learned how by reverse engineering the process.”