At its most basic purpose, food is sustenance. But of course, it provides much more than just nourishment. Food is a way to pass down our culture, to bring people together, and to start conversation.

That’s exactly what Korean BBQ is all about. It is not a solo adventure. It’s meant to be a collective experience. And later this year, St. Pete will have a new place to experience the joys of this Korean tradition.

KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot is coming soon to the Tyrone Square Mall. The restaurant will take over the former Jos. A. Bank space next to Grand Hacienda.

Karma Juice Bar and Eatery will open another location in St. Pete on April 25th. The health-conscious restaurant is replacing Clean Juice at 1804 4th Street North.

The menu will offer the same items found at their popular EDGE District and Clearwater outposts -- acai bowls, salads, sandwiches, and smoothies. Karma’s food is always made fresh upon ordering using the highest quality ingredients possible.

You can’t go wrong with an Indulge Bowl featuring an acai base, strawberry, banana, chocolate, granola, and honey. The Avocado Mint Salad is also a winner with mixed greens, avocado, garbanzo beans, feta cheese, olives, cucumber, tomato, carrots, almonds, and a house dressing.

St. Pete’s favorite sub shop is coming to South Pasadena this summer. Gateway Subs began serving their massive gourmet hoagies last August in Historic Kenwood. Ever since, the local eatery has received rave reviews, paving the way for a second location.

Gateway Subs’ new spot will be located at 2525 Pasadena Avenue South in the Village Plaza. The space was formerly home to Pasadena Personal Training. Jenna Malowany of KW Commercial represented Gateway Subs in the deal.

“We are so excited to announce our second sub shop located right off the Corey Causeway leading to St. Pete Beach,” said owner Grant Strayer. “Our first location has received so much love from the residents of Historic Kenwood and downtown St. Pete. We cannot wait to serve the South Pasadena and beach communities.”

TeBella Tea Company is ready for its debut in the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete. The specialty tea retail shop and full tea bar opens this Friday at 1445 Central Avenue.

The new 1,200 square foot shop will sell and serve an impressive selection of over 100 orthodox-grade teas. An array of options will be offered within each of the popular tea varieties, such as white, green, black, oolong, pu-erh, rooibos, mate, and herbal. Expect to see classics like Darjeeling, Sencha Hiki, and Matcha, along with creative blends like Carrot Cake, Florida Orange Blossom, and Blackberry Royale.

Not only will TeBella’s tea bar serve all 100+ teas either iced or hot, but specialty beverages will also be available. Look for drinks such as the London Fog, which consists of Earl Grey tea steeped in milk with vanilla and sugar, or the Salted Caramel Latte, a combination of caramel black tea, sea salt, caramel sauce, sugar, and a milky froth on top.