Crisp Waffle Company opening on Central Avenue in the Grand Central District
/Crisp Waffle Comany will debut at 2414 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. The space was formerly home to UB Haven, a dog training company | St Pete Rising
The Grand Central District is replete with great food choices. Whether you are in the mood for a bagel or a burrito, falafel or fish, there is something for everyone in the up-and-coming neighborhood. And this September, the Grand Central District is expected to get a little bit sweeter.
Sarasota's popular Crisp Waffle Company is expanding to the Sunshine City. The all-day waffle café has announced a new location at 2414 Central Avenue, where it will replace UBHaven: Dog Training, which continues to operate without a physical storefront.
Started in 2020 by owner Todi Garay, Crisp Waffle Company specializes in serving authentic Liege waffles with ingredients imported from Belgium.
Compared to the traditional waffle, also called a Brussels waffle, Liege waffles are made with a thicker batter that is similar to bread dough. Pearl sugar is blended in with the dough, which caramelizes as the waffle cooks.
The cafe has a number of sweet and savory toppings, such as berries, bananas, chocolate, nutella, and more | crisp waffle company
The decision to expand to the Grand Central District was a logical move for the company, given the St. Pete’s vibrant culinary scene.
Crisp Waffle Company’s first and only other location is at 17 Fillmore Drive on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota.
The menu at the St. Petersburg location will be similar to the Sarasota location with several traditional waffle creations and the ability to build-your-own.
Traditional waffle creations include the All About Berries which consists of a fresh Liege waffle topped with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and whipped cream with a choice of Belgian chocolate or Speculoos caramel (a “cookie butter” from Belgium).
A freshly baked Liege waffle topped with strawberries, bananas, nutella, and powdered sugar | crisp waffle company
Crisp Waffle Company will also serve savory waffle options including The Lido Avocado which is a fresh Liege waffle topped with an avocado spread, melted cheese, and a hint of lime.
Another interesting savory combination is the Monte Cristo on the Beach which is a Liege waffle sandwich with turkey, black forest ham, melted cheese, and berry jam.
Like the Sarasota location, Crisp Waffle Company will be partnering with Yoder’s Southern Creamery to offer old-fashioned ice cream with flavors like vanilla, strawberry, and peanut butter ice cream. The ice cream can, of course, be served on top of a waffle.
The St. Pete cafe will also feature milkshakes and fruit smoothies as well as a full coffee menu with specialty drinks like a sea salt caramel latte and a Belgian Speculoos latte.
Crisp Waffle Company’s Eggs Benedict Waffle made with black forest ham, cheese, a poached egg, and drizzled with hollandaise sauce | Crisp Waffle Company
Garay is excited to bring her business to the Grand Central District and aims to maintain the high standards that have made Crisp Waffle Company successful in Sarasota. She is eager to build new relationships with locals and visitors at the new St. Pete location.
“This is our passion, and we cannot wait to meet everyone in the St. Pete community!” Garay says.
Crisp Waffle Company plans to open at 2414 Central Avenue in September. Stay tuned to their Instagram and Facebook for opening announcements.
