Burgers sizzling on the grill, beers chilling in coolers, and friends gathered to watch the big game—this is the endless summer vibe that the new Glamper bar and restaurant wants to bring to downtown St. Pete.

Inspired by backyard cookouts, Fourth of July celebrations, and other summertime traditions, Glamper is set to open this Thursday, March 6th, at 217 Central Avenue, starting at 9 p.m.

The space was formerly home to Caddy’s on Central, which closed in 2020 after COVID-19 shuttered restaurants and bars across Florida. It was later slated to become Nauti Duchess, a nautical-themed bar and seafood restaurant, but those plans never materialized.

The new establishment is being brought to St. Pete by Ohio-based Forward Hospitality Group—known for ’70s-themed club Good Night John Boy, country bar Welcome to the Farm, and retro martini bar My Rich Uncle.

Like Good Night John Boy and Welcome to the Farm, Glamper first debuted in Cleveland before making its way to St. Pete.

“It’s like having a backyard Fourth of July party every day,” said Michael Schwartz of Forward Hospitality Group in an interview with St. Pete Rising. “It’ll be a mix of old and new—the umbrellas with fringe, Astroturf flooring, beach balls … that kind of atmosphere.”

Glamper will feature downtown St. Pete’s largest covered patio, complete with a 20-foot screen and a high-quality sound system for showing all of the local Tampa Bay sporting events.

After hours, the venue’s indoor space will transform into a high-energy nightlife spot featuring live DJ sets from Thursday through Sunday.

Schwartz noted that while Glamper will have a “smallish dance floor” for those who want to move, it won’t be a dedicated dance club like Good Night John Boy.

“We really just want to create a dynamic new experience where people can connect,” added Forward Hospitality Group Marketing Director Dylan Palchesko. “We’ll also be introducing a trivia night and collaborating with others in the community to offer unique experiences.”

During the day and into the night, guests—playfully called “campers”—can cool off with a variety of refreshing drinks and enjoy an elevated backyard BBQ menu.

“Our food menu features our take on classic American fare, using as many organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced ingredients as possible,” said Palchesko. “Our philosophy is simple: let high-quality, honest ingredients take center stage.”

Glamper will have appetizers such as buttermilk chicken tenders coated in Parmesan and herbs, as well as wings tossed in garlic parmesan or buffalo sauce.

Other options include the Hawt Dog—Glamper’s take on the classic hot dog—which is topped with cheese sauce, caramelized onions, scallions, and crispy potato sticks and the Smashed Burger featuring grass-fed beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, chipotle mayo, and pickles.

On the healthier side, Glamper will offer a rice bowl, a Caesar salad, and a Cobb salad.

Most dishes are priced between $15 and $20.

As for drinks, Glamper’s menu contains eight cocktails including the Lakeside Lemonade (a double shot of Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka and lemonade) served in a take-home canteen and Happy Trails (Jack Daniel’s Honey Liqueur, lemon, and black tea).

For fruitier options, guests can try Strawberry Fields (strawberry-infused Tito’s Handmade Vodka, basil, and lemon) or Scout’s Honor (a Southbound Tequila margarita with watermelon, cucumber, and a hint of orange).

For non-alcoholic options, campers can enjoy mocktails like the Peach Ginger Fizz, Watermelon Mint No-Jito, and Sparkling Citrus Spritzer, all crafted with sparkling water.

Cocktail and mocktail prices range from $11 to $22.

Of course, no backyard BBQ would be complete without classic canned beers—available straight from the cooler.

Glamper’s grand opening kicks off this Thursday at 9 p.m. Following its debut, the restaurant will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, with extended weekend hours.

For the latest updates on Glamper’s opening, food specials, and events, be sure to follow them on Instagram.