Shaka Shrimp Kitchen is coming soon to the EDGE District | St. pete Rising

A new fast-casual seafood restaurant specializing in shrimp dishes and ahi tuna bowls is coming to the EDGE District of downtown St. Pete.

Shaka Shrimp Kitchen is expected to open by the end of the year at 911 Central Avenue, replacing Buya Ramen, which closed last August after nine years in business.

The restaurant takes its name from the "shaka" hand gesture, a symbol commonly associated with friendliness, and gratitude.

Co-owner Ronan McCaffrey said the concept draws inspiration from Polynesian culture, helping shape the restaurant's relaxed, “come as you are” philosophy.

The menu will center around shrimp prepared in a variety of styles, alongside ahi tuna bowls.

All of the restaurant's dressings and sauces, such as garlic butter, coconut, and chili lime, will be made in-house.

Guests will order at the counter before staff deliver meals to their tables. A self-serve beverage station will also be available.

“We want to highlight shrimp through different cooking methods, entrees, and sauces,” McCaffrey said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “Shrimp is the most consumed seafood product in the United States.”

The restaurant takes its name from the "shaka" hand gesture, a symbol commonly associated with friendliness, and gratitude | Shaka Shrimp Kitchen

McCaffrey said Shaka Shrimp plans to source seafood and other ingredients from local purveyors and vendors whenever possible.

McCaffrey spent more than two decades with OSI Restaurant Partners, now known as Bloomin' Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill, before relocating to the Tampa Bay area.

He said Shaka Shrimp is backed by a small hospitality group with decades of restaurant industry experience.

The approximately 2,400-square-foot restaurant will undergo a complete renovation before opening, replacing the former Japanese izakaya with a modern coastal design inspired by island colors.

Plans include a rich blue color palette, new seating and tables, updated finishes, and other interior improvements.

While inspired by island culture, McCaffrey said the restaurant is not intended to be a themed dining experience.

“We think downtown is missing a fast-casual restaurant that serves high-quality, chef-driven food,” McCaffrey said. "We're hoping to fill that void."

Shaka Shrimp plans to offer a full beverage menu featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

The restaurant will initially operate daily for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. until 9 or 10 p.m., depending on the day and season. It will also offer takeout, catering, and third-party delivery services.

Shaka Shrimp will accommodate 80 seats inside while 20 seats will be available on the Central Avenue sidewalk.

Ownership expects to receive permit approvals this month, with construction to begin shortly afterward.

If permitting stays on schedule, McCaffrey said Shaka Shrimp is targeting an opening before the end of the year.