A new sports bar and neighborhood pub quietly opened its doors in south St. Pete last week. 

Jackson’s, a new 3,840 square-feet restaurant, recently made its debut at 1700 34th Street South, just south of Gibbs High School and across from the newly opened Yo-Mama Fried Chicken.

It’s the newest eatery from local restaurateur Dan Soronen, who has owned and operated restaurants in St. Pete since 2005.

He says that Jackson’s offers affordable, quality food in a casual environment. 

“I live in South St. Petersburg, and there’s always talk about the area being a food desert for shopping centers and grocery stores. But on top of that, we really don't really have a lot of quality restaurants in the area,” Soronen tells St. Pete Rising. “So we wanted to open a chef-driven sports bar for everyone that lives here.” 

With a full-liquor bar and a sizable dining room that seats over 100 people, he hopes Jackson’s will fill the need for a locally owned, family-friendly sports bar in the area, noting that new residents in the booming Skyway Marina District need a go-to neighborhood spot. 

Two Daughters Bagels, a locally-owned and operated breakfast spot, is bringing New York bagels to Largo. 

Owner Justin Miller plans to open his new bagel shop this summer at 10593 Ulmerton Road, across the street from the Largo Mall.

The space was formerly home to Miracle Mobility, a retailer specializing in electric wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

He signed the lease last August and has been tirelessly renovating the shop ever since.

“This is a life-long dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to open a legitimate New York bagel shop—not just ‘New York-style,’” Miller tells St. Pete Rising. “I wasn’t satisfied with any of the other bagels in the area, and was determined I could do it better. And so I learned how by reverse engineering the process.” 

A new gelato shop is set to open in St. Pete’s EDGE District next week.

Amorino, a French gelato brand with locations around the world, will celebrate the grand opening of its first Florida storefront at 1246 Central Avenue on Friday, May 1st.

The shop’s entrance is located along 1st Avenue South, and Amorino will share the building with Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine, which recently opened along Central Avenue.

Grand opening festivities will take place Saturday, May 2nd from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with games and promotional giveaways planned throughout the afternoon.

“We are excited to open our first Florida gelato shop in St. Petersburg…Amorino Gelato is one of the most recognizable artisanal gelato brands in Europe,” said local franchisee Germán Rodríguez Daza in a conversation with St. Pete Rising.

A new concept from popular, late-night spot Salem’s Fresh Eats is making its debut in St. Pete.

Fast-casual restaurant Yo-Mama Fried Chicken will soft open at 1735 34th Street South this Saturday, April 18th.

When asked about the inspiration behind the new concept, Salem Gharsalli, founder and CEO of Salem’s Fresh Eats, replied with a smile, “I just really like fried chicken.”

He explained that the fried chicken at other fast-food restaurants didn’t meet his standards, so he decided to convert the former Salem’s location into a new, chicken-centric concept.

In 2021, a new Salem’s was built next door at 1701 34th Street South, leaving the former restaurant space available for Yo-Mama’s new buildout.