Dead Bob’s, one of St. Pete’s most popular dive bars and restaurants, has been located at 6716 Central Avenue for 11 years | Dead Bob’s

Dead Bob’s, the beloved neighborhood dive bar and restaurant known for its affordable, yet delicious pub fare, is preparing to open the doors to its new location in west St. Pete.

After more than a decade at 6716 Central Avenue, the popular hangout is putting the finishing touches on its new home at 6475 Central Avenue, just a half-mile away in the former Kay’s Family Restaurant building.

The grand opening is expected by the end of October or early November.

“We’re really excited and proud of how this place turned out,” said Ben Scherlis, owner of Dead Bob’s, in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “It’s better than I thought it would be. We’ve doubled our seating, tripled our kitchen size, and finally have our own parking lot.”

The new 2,200-square-foot space will seat about 150 guests and feature a huge, covered patio with fans, heaters, and roll-down vinyl panels, perfect for Florida’s unpredictable weather.

Inside, 25 TVs with NFL Sunday Ticket, a new sound system, and a signature jukebox will carry on the rowdy, sports bar vibe Dead Bob’s regulars know and love.

Dead Bob’s new location, at 6475 Central Avenue, just a half-mile away from the current location | St. Pete Rising

With the larger kitchen, Scherlis said the restaurant will introduce weekend breakfast service, running from opening until noon, followed by lunch beginning at 11 a.m.

“Eventually I’d like to go to breakfast seven days a week,” he said. “We even added sauté pans so we can finally do omelets.”

The menu will continue to feature Dead Bob’s favorites, such as their popular burgers, chicken wings, Philly Egg Rolls, and Bob’s Cordon Bleu Sandwich.

Also returning will be fresh-caught seafood from Fishbusterz, a Madeira Beach-based purveyor owned by Charlie and Siera Renier.

Scherlis met Renier, a second-generation fisherman from the Keys, through a mutual friend and quickly realized the partnership could work.

“When I say fresh, I mean they bring it in every morning,” Scherlis said. “We go through 400 to 500 pounds of fish a week. It’s whatever’s best that day, tilefish, snapper, hogfish, and we serve it blackened, grilled, or fried. You can get it as a plate, taco, or sandwich.”

The new Dead Bob’s will have a huge, covered patio with fans, heaters, and roll-down vinyl panels, perfect for Florida’s unpredictable weather | ST. Pete Rising

He adds that their prices are roughly half of what you’d pay for the same quality seafood on the beach.

The collaboration has been so successful that the same Fishbusterz seafood specials are now offered at Dead Bob’s sister restaurant, The Joint.

The restaurant and bar will continue to offer a full liquor selection along with a variety of beers.

While the move gives Dead Bob’s more space, the restaurant’s familiar personality remains.

“People tell me, ‘Great, you’re moving closer to my house so I can walk there,’” Scherlis joked. “We’re surrounded by neighborhoods, so people can walk, bike, or park their golf carts.”

Dead Bob’s will continue serving their popular burgers | Dora Boyd

Martin McTague, general manager, said the team plans to host live music on the weekends and keep the late-night hours that have made Dead Bob’s a west St. Pete institution, open until 3 a.m. with the kitchen serving until 2 a.m.

For Scherlis, it’s all about staying true to what made Dead Bob’s a favorite in the first place, “Good food, good portions, affordable prices, and a place where everyone feels welcome.”

The restaurant’s namesake, “Bob,” was a real person, a party-loving character the original owners met years ago at a Miami Beach pool bar. His larger-than-life personality lives on through the bar’s laid-back atmosphere and loyal crowd.

Follow Dead Bob’s on Facebook and Instagram for the official opening date and grand-opening celebrations later this month.