After years of controversy, Tubular Tokes has been sold and will rebrand as Hits & Munchies in the Grand Central District
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New faces will soon greet customers at the space formerly known as Tubular Tokes in the Grand Central District.
Earlier this week, the 1980s-themed vape and smoke shop at 2428 Central Avenue officially changed ownership and will rebrand as Hits & Munchies.
While Tubular Tokes was known for its eclectic interior and wide selection of vapes, CBD, kratom, and novelty snacks, much of the attention surrounding the shop centered on its owner, Skylar Strickland.
Strickland, who remains a polarizing figure in the neighborhood, has had a rough and very public past, including two arrests and frequent confrontations that played out both inside and outside the business.
Over time, some nearby residents and would-be customers said they liked the concept and wanted to support a locally owned shop, but ultimately chose not to patronize Tubular Tokes because of the owner himself.
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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.