Central Gyro is set to open at 653 Central Avenue, taking over the space currently occupied by DalMoros | St. Pete Rising

After seven years of serving New York–style pies and Italian comfort food on the 500 block of Central Avenue, Tony’s Pizza owner Vjollca Dervishi is preparing to launch a brand-new concept, one she says will bring an authentic taste of Greece to downtown St. Pete.

Set to open early next year at 653 Central Avenue, Central Gyro will move into the space currently occupied by DalMoros Fresh Pasta To Go, which is relocating to a larger space a few doors down at 683 Central Avenue.

For Dervishi, the new restaurant is the realization of an idea she’s carried with her since opening Tony’s in 2018.

“It’s the right time,” she told St. Pete Rising, explaining that she learned about the opportunity directly from the building owner.

“It’ll be a very authentic Greek experience, unlike anything around downtown St. Pete. You can expect to find the same foods that are sold in Greece.”

The new restaurant will include towers of lamb, chicken, and pork slow-roasting on vertical rotisseries before being carved to order for gyros, shawarma, and kebabs.

Diners will be able to customize pitas and rice platters with their choice of meats, toppings, and house-made sauces, including a classic tzatziki.

Interior of DalMoro’s, which will become Central Gyro in early 2026 | DalMoro’s

Sourcing ingredients directly from Greece, Dervishi also plans to serve souvlaki (grilled meat skewers) and loukaniko, a traditional pork sausage seasoned with citrus zest, fennel, and oregano.

House-made desserts, including baklava, will complement the sweets she’s already known for at Tony’s, where tiramisu and cheesecake are prepared daily.

“At Central Gyro, there will a big display by the counter, so people are going to see us making their food right in front of them,” Dervishi added.

The restaurant’s narrow footprint will include limited indoor bar seating, one or two outdoor tables along Central Avenue, and a covered back patio.

Central Gyro expects to operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. or midnight.

Final design work, permitting, and branding are now underway, and Dervishi hopes to open by February 2026.

Pickup, delivery, and catering will be available after the restaurant makes its official debut.