Jay Que’s has replaced Catalyst on the deuces in south St. Pete | St. Pete Rising

A new bar and club has opened on 22nd Street South, taking over the former Catalyst on the Deuces space at 903 22nd Street South.

Jay Que’s quietly opened in late March next to Sid’s Caribbean Grill and near Heavy’s Restaurant.

The Catalyst on the Deuces closed in February after opening in 2023 in the former Chief’s Creole Cafe space.

Longtime Chief’s owners Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy still own the building.

22nd Street South, known locally as “the Deuces”, has been one of St. Petersburg’s most significant cultural corridors.

During segregation, it served as a thriving Black business district, home to restaurants, clubs, hotels, and entertainment venues that anchored the city’s African American community.

Inside Jay que’s at 903 22nd Street South | st. Pete Rising

In recent years, the area has seen renewed investment and attention, with local leaders and families like the Brayboys playing a major role in preserving its identity while supporting new businesses and activity along the corridor.

Jay Que’s is still in its soft opening phase but has already been hosting themed parties, DJs, karaoke nights, and live music.

The venue features a full-liquor bar with beer, wine, and cocktails, along with both indoor seating and an outdoor patio.

Throughout the transition from Catalyst to Jay Que’s, Sid’s Caribbean Grill has remained open.

While the restaurant operates as its own business, it is now partnering with Jay Que’s to serve food to patrons, including a newly introduced Sunday brunch.

The outdoor bar at Jay Que’s | St. Pete Rising

The menu includes Jamaican favorites like beef patties, turkey wings, oxtails, brown stew or jerk chicken, and goat curry.

Chris, an employee of Jay Que’s, said the new concept has retained much of the previous staff and is focused on staying connected to the surrounding neighborhood.

“What needs to be known is that we are for this community,” he said. “Now that we’re here and we’re a part of it, we ultimately serve them. Every decision that’s being made, the community is the priority.”

However, the transition hasn’t been without some controversy.

After Jay Que’s took over the space, a well-known Louis Armstrong mural on the building’s exterior was painted over, drawing complaints from residents on social media.

A new mural being painted on the side of Jay Que’s by James “Freeman” Kitchens‍ | St. Pete Rising

In response, Jay Que’s commissioned local artist James “Freeman” Kitchens to create a new mural.

The forthcoming artwork will pay tribute to the Deuces, the Brayboys, and other influential figures in St. Petersburg’s African American history, including rapper Rod Wave and Elder Jordan Sr., founder of the Manhattan Casino.

Other St. Pete natives set to be featured include actress Angela Bassett and boxers Winky Wright and Keith Thurman.

Jay Que’s is currently open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

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