The Violet Stone’s new, larger location is officially open in St. Pete
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St. Pete’s favorite Philly-style pizza joint, The Violet Stone, has officially opened in a much larger, more prominent location. So say goodbye to long lines, sold-out signs by noon, and eating pizza on the hood of your car.
The new restaurant, located at 2609 Dr. MLK Jr. Street North, debuted on Wednesday, and brings with it an expanded menu, upgraded kitchen, and seating for up to 100 guests, both indoors and out.
The Violet Stone has come a long way since it launched as a food truck in 2022. After outgrowing the truck, owner Daniel Fekete set up shop in a small 800-square-foot space in Kenwood.
That original space had no air conditioning and just a few chairs and tables. Now, the team is settling into a 2,100-square-foot spot that finally matches Fekete’s vision for the restaurant.
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An updated plan for a proposed 13-story, 120-unit residential project in the Grand Central District would reserve 48 apartments for affordable housing.
Tampa-based BendinRoad Development is seeking $4.8 million in federal disaster-recovery funding through the City of St. Petersburg for Residences at 1663, planned at 1663 1st Avenue South.
City staff has recommended the request for approval, and City Council will vote on it October 1st.
The site is currently home to a vacant commercial building that was previously occupied by Sunshine Kitty Catfe, which closed three years ago, and the Dolman Law Group.
Plans, which were approved in 2025, call for a 13-story building with 60 apartments and 60 short-term rental units that could be rented nightly, weekly, or monthly.
While the building’s design and layout remain unchanged, the developer delayed its original construction timeline to pursue the affordable housing funding.
A groundbreaking is now planned for early 2027.