February 03, 2025

The Ball, an LGBTQ+ bar and lounge inspired by queer icons, debuts in the Grand Central District

February 03, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A pink-lit bar with crystal chandeliers overhead, a giant disco ball DJ booth, and images of queer icons bedazzle the walls inside St. Pete’s newest LGBTQ+ bar in the Grand Central District of St. Pete.

The Ball, owned by David Fischer, who also founded COCKtail St. Pete nightclub and The Wet Spot pool bar, has officially opened at 49 24th Street North.

The space, humorously described as being located “at the base of COCKtail,” was previously home to The Saint, an upscale speakeasy that closed last year to undergo the rebrand.

“The disco ball is one of the most iconic queer motifs, particularly within LGBTQ+ nightlife,” said Fischer. “It acts as an enhancing invitation to meet others, dance freely, and be yourself.”

February 03, 2025

New fast-casual restaurant by P.F. Chang's, Pagoda Asian Grill, is now open in west St. Pete

February 03, 2025/ Brian Zucker

A new fast-casual restaurant by Arizona-based P.F. Chang’s has debuted in west St. Pete.

Pagoda Asian Grill held a grand opening celebration on Saturday at 1550 66th Street North in a space previously occupied by Rib City, which closed in early 2020 during the Coronavirus pandemic and never reopened.

The new concept is P.F Chang’s answer to chains such as Chipotle or Cava, offering counter-service and take-out.

Diners can build a bowl or wrap by first selecting a base (white rice, brown rice, or soba noodles), choosing one of five protein options (grilled chicken, sriracha chicken, grilled steak, bulgogi steak, or roasted vegetables), picking out as many toppings as desired from a list of 18 options, and then finishing it off with one of eight sauces.

January 31, 2025

Pete's Bagels team to open new cafe and coffee shop Seymour's in downtown St. Pete

January 31, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The team behind the popular Pete's Bagels is opening a new spot for breakfast, lunch, and coffee in downtown St. Pete.

Seymour's will debut this February at 407 Central Avenue inside the historic Snell Arcade. The space was previously home to Samurai Cat Japanese Cafe and Bakery.

“We are excited to bring the Pete's vibe to downtown St. Pete. We will focus on having a full cafe and bakery with an old vintage St. Pete vibe in the Snell Arcade,” Owner Steven Peterman said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

“This will be more of a cafe experience - it won’t be a bagel shop like Pete’s.”

January 29, 2025

Family-friendly Swell Coffee debuts in Largo with house-made syrups and baked goods

January 29, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

A new cozy kid-friendly coffee shop has made its debut in Largo.

Swell Coffee, a specialty coffee shop with house-made syrups and pastries from local bakeries, celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday, January 28th, near the corner of Bryan Dairy Road and Starkey Road at 11148 Starkey Road.

The 1,500-square-foot space was previously occupied by Subway.

“We looked at more than 30 spaces in a six-month window. We've had this space in July, but the hurricanes set us back on the opening date,” Sarah Cerny said.

January 28, 2025

Cool Vibes Pub & Grub expands to St. Pete Beach with new bar and entertainment venue

January 28, 2025/ Veronica Brezina

The Cool Vibes Pub & Grub restaurant in St. Petersburg known for its divey sports bar atmosphere and elevated bar food, is expanding to the waterfront on St. Pete Beach.

The local watering hole, which will continue operating at its flagship location at 5488 58th Street North, will open a second spot dubbed Cool Vibes on the Beach at 6800 Sunset Way fronting the bright pink Gulf Winds Resort.

An exact opening date has not yet been announced.