Flower shop and wine bar Pistil House coming to St. Pete's Grand Central District
/A local couple is flipping a 1926 bungalow in St. Pete’s Grand Central District into a combined florist shop and wine bar.
Drawing from his experiences working in Oregon’s wine country and at St. Pete floral shops and breweries, Anthony Diaz and his fiancée Carly Dauscher aspire to bring the same flare through a new venture.
The couple has leased a 1,300-square-foot home at 2533 1st Avenue South in the Grand Central District.
Pistil House will focus on single stem cut flowers and offer imported wines, coffee, and small plates. The word ‘pistil’ refers to the female reproductive part of a flower.
"This whole concept struck us when we lived in Portland, which is known as the 'City of Roses.’ The city has amazing flowers growing everywhere," Diaz said to St. Pete Rising.
"This will be our first business venture. We love the craftsmanship of the older bungalows versus having a traditional retail storefront."
Diaz has a culinary degree and a brewing arts certificate.
Guests will be able to craft their own colorful bouquets from a variety of available flowers.
"Florida is limited in terms of the types of flowers that can grow here, but we want to procure local flowers as much as possible," Diaz said.
In addition to wine and coffee, Pistil House will serve beer, wine, and champagne, as well as mimosas during a brunch service.
As for food, Pistil House may offer pastries in the morning and will have a variety of charcuterie boards throughout the day.
Diaz is making alterations to the space, including installing a large window at the front of the house.
"We will take advantage of the front porch with outdoor seating. Inside, there's a cozy fireplace that will be a major focal point and used for special events and holidays," Diaz said.
The flower-prepping bar and to-go wine selection will be located in the rear of the home, where candles and other home goods will also be for sale.
Pistil House is expected to debut this June.
The operating hours are to be determined; however, Diaz said the bar will have limited evening hours.
Follow Pistil House on Instagram for the latest store announcements.
