Jamaica's Juici Patties to open first St. Pete restaurant this winter

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Jamaica's largest patty restaurant chain is opening its first St. Pete location at 3252 Central Avenue | St. Pete Rising

Juici Patties, Jamaica's largest patty restaurant chain, is opening its first St. Petersburg location at 3252 Central Avenue.

The restaurant will occupy an endcap space formerly home to Metro by T-Mobile at Central Plaza, a shopping center next to PSTA’s Grand Central bus terminal.

Interior renovations are underway, with an estimated construction cost of $465,000, according to a permit application filed in October.

The restaurant is expected to open in early 2027.

The St. Pete restaurant is part of the brand’s expansion into the Tampa Bay area. The company recently opened a location near University Square Mall in Tampa.

The chain's story began in Jamaica, where founder Jukie Chin started making beef patties in his mother's kitchen and selling them at his parents' grocery store.

Juici patties sells a variety of jamaican patties filled with beef, curry chicken, and more | Juici patties

What began as a small family business grew into Jamaica's largest patty restaurant chain. The first standalone restaurant opened in 1980, and today the company operates more than 60 locations across the island.

Chin's son, Daniel Chin, now leads the company's expansion into the United States, where Juici Patties has grown to more than 38 locations, including restaurants throughout New York, Florida, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.

At the center of the menu is the Jamaican patty, a flaky, golden pastry stuffed with savory fillings. The traditional beef version is seasoned with Scotch bonnet peppers, pimento seeds, onions, and garlic, with both mild and spicy options available.

Customers can also choose from other fillings, including curry chicken, shrimp, and plant-based options, along with a breakfast patty stuffed with bacon, egg, and cheese.

Patties are available individually or in party packs of 6 or 12.

Customers can order a patty tucked inside coco bread for a more substantial meal | juici patties

Another Jamaican staple on the menu is coco bread, a soft, slightly sweet bread made with coconut milk that's commonly served alongside patties.

Customers can order a patty tucked inside coco bread for a more substantial meal.

The restaurant also serves Jamaican beverages, including Bigga Kola Champagne, Bigga Pineapple, and Bigga Ginger Beer, along with Freshhh Cranberry Lychee juice. St. Mary’s Banana Chips, a popular Jamaican snack, are also available.

Renovations are underway, with Juici Patties expected to open in early 2027.