Over the past few years, the 600 block of Central Avenue has turned into a foodie paradise. The block is already home to local favorites such as Pacific Counter, Maple Street Biscuit Company, The Lure, and Brass Bowl. Next year, burgers and beer will join the mix.

Hopdoddy Burger Bar recently submitted construction plans to the city for the buildout of a 3,672 square foot restaurant located at 670 Central Avenue, replacing the offices of Peregrine Construction Group. 

The fast-casual burger joint was founded in Austin, TX in 2010. With a focus on free ingredients, antibiotic and hormone-free beef ground in-house, thick shakes, and hand-cut fries, Hopdoddy built a following that has allowed them to expand into California, Colorado, Arizona, and now Florida. There are over 30 locations nationwide.

As one taco joint falls, another joins the fray. Poppo’s Taqueria now open in the EDGE District at 1033 Central Avenue, formerly Designer’s Consigner.

Started on Anna Maria Island in 2013, Poppo’s Taqueria is a family owned and operated Mexican-inspired restaurant that traces their roots to the street food of San Francisco’s Mission District. The St. Pete location will be the restaurant’s seventh outpost.

The menu is simple, offering build-your-own tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or bowls. Protein selections include ancho chicken, carnitas, morita steak, and tempeh. There are around twelve different fillings including pico de gallo, jalapeño relish, and honey-lime slaw.

While the rest of America was grilling burgers and relaxing by the pool on July 4th, Josie Barber and her daughter April Lupkey received devastating news. A fire had broken out at their Downtown St. Pete restaurant, Karma Juice Bar & Eatery, located at 209 1st Street NE.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but Barber estimates it’ll take 2-3 months and $200,000 to rebuild. “We are already drawing up the plans to make it safer,” says Barber. “This is an opportunity to make Karma better than ever.”

As a gesture of goodwill after hearing about the fire, real estate owner Jon Daou offered Karma discounted rent inside one of his properties. So until the original location reopens, Karma will temporarily operate out of Intermezzo Coffee and Cocktails at 1111 Central Avenue.

New window decals were installed last week revealing another concept coming soon to the recently completed ONE St Petersburg condo tower in Downtown St. Pete. Social Roost Kitchen and Bar will be a poultry lover’s paradise, featuring chicken in every way, including fried, grilled, blackened, roasted, and more.

The upscale casual restaurant concept is the creation of Jason Teabout and Rob Bowen, both of whom grew up in St. Pete. Rob is an interior designer, who started a design firm in Downtown St. Pete 12 years ago and Jason just retired from 24 years in the military.

Jason and Rob describe Social Roost as a personal passion project and a love letter to St. Pete. “We adore Downtown St. Pete,” says Rob. “This is our way of giving back to the community.”

Burgerim, which translates to "many burgers" in Hebrew, will be opening on the ground level of ONE St. Petersburg, Downtown St. Pete’s tallest tower.

Started in Tel Aviv in 2011, founder Donna Tuchner discovered a way to set Burgerim apart from the other burger eateries – variety. Instead of the typical 7oz burger, Burgerim specializes in 2.8oz mini burgers that are completely customizable.

Build a simple burger for the kids and an unconventional masterpiece for yourself. Burgerim offers three buns, six sauces, ten patties, and nine toppings. The choice of patties includes beef, turkey, lamb, dry-aged, chicken, chorizo, salmon, merguez (spicy beef), wagyu, and veggie.

Dress your burger with traditional toppings like mixed greens, grilled onions, and sautéed mushrooms and then add specialty toppings such as pineapple, avocado, or a sunny side up egg. Each burger meal comes with a side of either fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.