Ostrich, anyone? Wild Fork Meat and Seafood Market has opened its first St. Petersburg store, and it is unlike your traditional neighborhood grocery store - selling everything from alligator tenderloins to venison rib racks.   

Wild Fork, offering the widest selection of high-quality meat and seafood, has debuted at 2801 4th Street North on the site of the former Alcove Assisted Living directly across the street from The Fresh Market and Trader Joe's.

Local commercial real estate developer Belleair Development Group purchased the property in 2021 for $3.25 million. The structures were demolished, and a new 4,950-square-foot building was constructed for Wild Fork.

The South Florida-based company, which has stores across Tampa and Orlando, has already soft opened, but is planning a grand opening celebration on Saturday, November 16th from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m..

During the kickoff celebration, the public can try freshly cooked meats, sides, and desserts.

The store offers over 700 items, carrying everyday grocery staples and specializing in imported meats like premium A5 Wagyu from Japan and exotic and wild game meats, including bison, elk, rabbit, duck, and goat.

In addition to typical steaks and poultry items, Wild Fork also offers pasture-raised, organic, and antibiotic-free chicken and organic and grass-fed beef.

The company sources its beef products from farms in Nebraska and Colorado, where the cooler climate and lush grasslands produce some of the top cattle in the world, according to the company’s website.

There's also an expansive seafood section featuring wild-caught seafood like swordfish, Chilean sea bass, octopus, and calamari and premium seafood selections such as ahi tuna steaks, spiny lobster tail, sashimi-grade Atlantic salmon filets, and more.

The company blast freezes its meats at -40 degrees, maintaining peak freshness and sealing in all vitamins and minerals.

"This process is ten times faster than normal freezing and results in less crystallization, more juiciness, better flavor, higher quality, and tenderness," according to the company.

"We ensure every product is free from over 100 common ingredients that don’t meet our high-quality standards: things like phosphates, nitrates, and other ingredients you can’t pronounce."

Wild Fork offers pre-seasoned meats and heat-and-eat dishes, from microwaveable single-serve meals to larger oven-ready options.

Additionally, Wild Fork has vegetarian-friendly meals, such as plant-based ground turkey, sausages, and burgers from brands like Beyond Meat, Ozo, and Amy’s, as well as breads, desserts, and appetizers.

The new St. Pete Wild Fork market is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The entire store offerings are also available online for in-store pickup or doorstep delivery (for purchases totaling more than $35). The delivery orders are packed with insulation or dry ice to ensure it arrives frozen.

Be sure to follow Wild Fork on Facebook and Instagram for the latest store announcements and specials.