The Crooked Cup Cafe will open this summer at 4130 5th Avenue North in St. pete | CoSTar

A new neighborhood coffee shop is in the works in Central Oak Park, with two first-time operators hoping to create a laid-back, community-driven space just outside the bustle of downtown.

Crooked Cup Cafe is expected to open this July at 4130 5th Avenue North, in the former home of Tasty Treats Bakery.

Owners Sidney Mrak and Vanna Thackrah are currently renovating the roughly 800-square-foot space into a cozy cafe with an outdoor patio.

“We want it to feel like a home away from home,” said Thackrah in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “A place where people can come every day, hang out, work, and really feel like part of something.”

The location, tucked into a pocket of Central Oak Park, played a huge role in developing the concept.

“There are so many local events and a real sense of community here,” said Mrak. “We felt like this was the perfect place to create something that people could make part of their daily routine.”

Both owners come from hospitality backgrounds and met while working at The Lure in downtown St. Pete.

Owners of Crooked Cup Cafe Sidney Mrak (right) and Vanna Thackrah (Left) | Crooked Cup

For Thackrah, the inspiration came from her time working at a small coffee shop in New York.

“I loved the regulars,” she said. “You’d know exactly when someone was about to walk in and already have their drink started. It made the whole experience feel really personal.”

Mrak, who grew up in a small town in Indiana without much of a coffee scene, brings a different perspective.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own business,” she said. “I love a challenge and learning new things. We just want to make something that feels different and fun.”

The cafe will serve espresso drinks made with beans from Counter Culture Coffee, along with drip coffee, cold brew, matcha, and loose-leaf teas.

The duo has put together a playful drink menu, featuring coffees topped with whipped cream, sprinkles, and other fun touches, all served in a rotating mix of thrifted mugs.

“We want it to feel a little less serious,” said Thackrah. “A little more fun.”

Artistic renderings show the vibe The Crooked Cup Cafe hopes to bring to Central Oak Park when it opens this summer | Crooked Cup

On the food side, Crooked Cup will open with a limited menu, featuring items like yogurt bowls, salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

Options will include a turkey wrap with cranberry jam and a Mediterranean wrap with house-made hummus.

The owners say the goal is to eventually expand the kitchen and menu over time, adding more substantial breakfast and lunch offerings once additional equipment is installed.

“We didn’t want to cut corners on the food,” Mrak said. “So we’re starting smaller and building it the right way.”

Looking ahead, the pair envisions Crooked Cup evolving beyond a daytime cafe.

Plans include extending hours into the evening and introducing low-key programming like open mic nights, karaoke, and potentially beer and wine service.

For now, the focus is getting the doors open and becoming part of the neighborhood.

“We’re excited—and definitely a little nervous,” said Thackrah. “But it’s a good kind of nervous.”

Crooked Cup is targeting a July opening, though timing will depend on permitting and final buildout.

Be sure to follow them on Instagram for the latest updates and offerings.