I can recall an era when there were such things as VHS tapes, when people made collect calls, when the Rubik’s Cube was the ultimate IQ test. 

Now, the entire world is in the palm of our hands. And while there is something incredible about such instantaneous information and interaction, I feel we’ve also lost something crucial – a sense of detachment from the world. A world free of social-media trolling, deep fake videos, and Zoom meetings. 

Everything seemed simpler back then. Or maybe I’m just reaching the “get off my lawn” stage of life. 

While I sometimes find myself decade daydreaming, I won’t have to any longer thanks to a new vintage cocktail bar and lounge coming soon to downtown St. Pete.

Just three months after the debut of Good Fortune, an Asian fusion restaurant and cocktail lounge, Hunger Thirst Group has unveiled their next concept slated to open in a few weeks.

Lost & Found St. Pete is set to launch at 2420 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District. Joe Esposito of KW Commercial represented the tenant in the lease transaction.

“I’m excited for this, it’s the kind of place that will be a great addition to the Grand Central District,” says Stephen Schrutt, Founder and CEO of Hunger Thirst Group. “Lost & Found will take you back to a simpler time. It’ll feel like that back-in-the-day spot where you might show up for just a drink but stay for a few more. It’s a feel-good spot, like jumping back in time.”

Guests can enjoy a drink while listening to 70s and 80s music like Foreigner, Van Halen, Madonna, Kool & the Gang, Beastie Boys and more by cover bands and DJs nightly.

The 2,900 square foot lounge will include a large bar on the inside and a smaller bar in the backyard. Nearly everything at Lost & Found is original from the era, from the wallpaper to the furniture, light fixtures, and signage.

“The bar is the only thing we built,” laughed Schrutt. “Everything else is vintage. We have an old cigarette machine, a 70s-era Playboy pinball machine, and some other fun throwbacks.”

The drink menu will feature eight signature cocktails from that era, including a Pornstar Martini, Rusty Nail, and Zombie. 

“Our signature cocktails will be elevated, but approachable,” said Schrutt. “We want to keep it simple, like life was back in the 70s and 80s. We won’t have any cocktails that come in a disco ball cup or take 30 minutes to serve.”

Lost & Found will also carry a mix of classic brews, like Coors Banquet and High Life, in addition to local craft beer from Green Bench, Cycle, and 3 Daughters.

As for food, a rotating lineup of local food trucks will be stationed in their backyard.

“Instead of building a kitchen and serving food, we thought it would be more fun to have food trucks as a way to work with other local businesses and be able to also give our guests variety,” said Schrutt. “It’s a great way to keep guests from being limited to eating the same thing all the time.”

In addition to live music and DJs, take a trip back in time during Lost & Found’s weekly retro movie night with cult classics like Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

And don’t miss the monthly thrift shop showcasing vintage clothing and knick-knacks from local vendors. 

“I feel such a connection to St. Pete having lived here for the last 11 years,” said Schrutt. “I came up with this concept two years ago during the COVID lockdown. It’s inspired by the neighborhood bars from back in the day and the resurgence of vintage thrift.”

Management is hiring now for bartenders, bar backs and cocktail servers and are currently accepting resumes. Interested applicants should email mgmt@lostandfoundstpete.com. 

The bar will be open daily at 5 p.m. on weekdays and at noon on Saturday and Sunday.

This will be the 7th concept in downtown St. Pete for Stephen Schrutt’s Hunger Thirst Group, which also operates The Avenue, Dirty Laundry, No Vacancy, Park & Rec, BallPark & Rec, and Good Fortune.

Lost & Found is expected to open in December at 2420 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, FL. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for updates.