Hot Spot Diner recently opened in a former First Watch in west St. Pete | St. Pete Rising

A new family-owned diner has opened in west St. Pete, bringing traditional breakfast and lunch fare to the former First Watch space on Tyrone Boulevard.

Hot Spot Diner quietly debuted earlier this month at 4045 Tyrone Boulevard and is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Owner John Hazakis, a longtime diner operator based out of the Northeast, took over the space at the end of 2025.

He says he has opened eight diners over the last 40 years and recently relocated to St. Pete to be closer to family.

There is a large concentration of diners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which is typically referred to as “the diner capital of the country.”

These small, family-operated restaurants are known for their straightforward American food and affordable price points, two qualities that Hazakis is bringing to his newest diner in St. Pete.

Hot Spot Diner’s menu focuses on traditional American breakfast and lunch dishes.

Breakfast options include biscuits and gravy, steak and eggs, pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles, and skillets like The Hot Spot Skillet made with two country-fresh eggs, onions, peppers, home fries, and cheddar cheese, all topped with sausage gravy.

Hot Spot Diner serves a large selection of traditional American breakfast and lunch dishes | St. Pete Rising

The menu also offers ten varieties of four-egg omelettes, including Western with ham, onions, and peppers; Farmers with sausage, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes; Spanish with onions, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and salsa; Meat and Cheese; Spinach and Feta; and Mushroom.

A kids breakfast menu includes a one- or two-egg plate, a Mickey Mouse pancake, and French toast.

Lunch offerings include pork chops, chopped sirloin with onions and gravy, and country fried steak topped with gravy.

Chicken dishes range from chicken cordon bleu and grilled chicken breast to smothered grilled chicken with bacon and cheddar and classic chicken strips.

Seafood options include jumbo shrimp and whitefish prepared grilled, fried or blackened.

The “Dinner Classics” section features baked lasagna, chicken parmigiana served with spaghetti and garlic bread, spaghetti and meatballs with marinara sauce, and open-faced roast beef topped with gravy.

The menu also contains several salads, burgers, and sandwiches.

Hazakis says he may add additional Greek dishes to the menu in the future and potentially expand operating hours.

To stay up to date, visit Hot Spot Diner’s Facebook page.