Bouquet and Bordeaux, a new floral shop and wine bar, will open at 9 dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South | Google

A wave of vivid street-side floral displays arranged in metal buckets and spilling onto the sidewalk is set to bring a touch of Parisian charm to downtown St. Pete, inspired by France’s open-air markets.

Named Bouquet and Bordeaux and described as “where Southern charm meets Parisian flair,” the new floral shop and wine bar will open at 9 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South in the EDGE District in spring 2026. The space previously housed The Annex Training Studio.

Spanning 2,700 square feet, the boutique is designed as a place to sip, socialize, and browse blooms.

Plans include a DIY flower bar and hands-on classes teaching balanced floral compositions for bridal showers, weddings, and holidays, in addition to kid-friendly workshops where children can make mini bouquets, flower crowns, or flower wands.

A conceptual vision for Bouquet and Bordeaux | image provided/ai

Capturing the feel of French culture and translating it into a brick-and-mortar concept in St. Pete has been a goal for founder Leigh Catoe Tillman for years.

“After a long career in the corporate world, I knew I wanted to transition into a new chapter, and I’ve always had a passion for hospitality and a love of flowers,” Tillman said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

“When I visited florist shops in Paris, I thought it was a great blend of something really different, an experience that feels creative and meaningful,” continued Tillman..

Tillman credits Cordelia Coffee Flower Shop in Paris as the main inspiration for Bouquet and Bordeaux.

Inside, a 50-seat lounge will offer white and red wines served by a sommelier along with champagne, wine cocktails, local beers, cider, and non-alcoholic options.

The main inspiration for Bouquet and Bordeaux was Cordelia Coffee Flower Shop in Paris (pictured here) | Sortiraparis.com

“I want people to feel a calm, warm sense as they discover something special. This is meant not only for a typical night out but also as a way to unwind while learning and having that creative outlet,” Tillman said.

The menu will feature in-house dishes that blend international and Southern influences, including finger sandwiches, mini beef Wellingtons, pimento cheese crème brûlée, and desserts such as chocolate mousse and banana pudding with a French twist.

Guests can dine in while listening to intimate live performances or browse a retail section offering single-stem flowers, bottled wines, and packaged goods.

A picnic basket option will be available for those grabbing wine and charcuterie-style items to go. Tillman said she hopes to partner with local vendors for products such as honey and jams.

Bouquet and Bordeaux founder Leigh Catoe Tillman | image provided

The shop is expected to open Monday through Friday, starting at 7 a.m. with coffee and pastries. The lounge will stay open into the late afternoon, and the floral workshop will hold classes from Wednesday through Sunday. Brunch service and weekend live music will begin after the initial opening.

Tillman moved to Pinellas County as a child and lived here through her mid-20s before returning about a decade ago.

“To see the change that’s taken place in downtown St. Pete over the years has been really wonderful, and I wanted to be part of that,” Tillman said.

Bouquet and Bordeaux is Tillman’s first solo venture, though she credits industry professionals who have volunteered their time to help guide her through the process. A lead florist will be hired to run the workshop programming.

Bouquet and Bordeaux will join existing tenants in the building, including Central Express Vet, Peach Pump, Burg Nutrition, and Bzaar Hookah Lounge.

Three years ago, the building at 900 Central Avenue was slated for partial demolition and redevelopment into a 14-story mixed-use project. Those plans were later abandoned, and the owner now intends to keep the existing structure.

Visit Bouquet and Bordeaux’s website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the shop’s progress and current offerings.