The Chattaway, one of St. Petersburg’s original drive-in restaurants, is in the process of being sold, we reported earlier this week.
If the sale goes through, it will change hands this summer, according to owner and general manager Debby Kitto, who said they’ll know if the sale is finalized by the end of July.
Prospective owner Cullen Mahoney, of Sodus Development, is evaluating whether he can preserve the space that locals have come to know the past several decades, but it is too early to tell if that will be doable, he said by text message Wednesday. Sodus is a St. Petersburg-based real estate development firm.
“I care deeply about The Chattaway and what it means to the residents of St. Petersburg,” Mahoney said. “Any path forward would need to be rooted in preserving what makes this place special.”
It was business as usual at the spot on Wednesday, which is known for burgers, a large patio, afternoon tea service and live music. Burgers and pints were still flowing, and the restaurant was busy on the heels of the news.
Want something to remember The Chattawayby?In about three weeks, they’ll start selling commemorative items, Kitto said.
Key chains, Koozies, T-shirts and travel mugs will be available, said manager Mary Carpenter.
And what about the ephemera collected over the years that adorns the space? The items that have given The Chattaway its unique character will begin to be sold off in July, Carpenter said Wednesday.
“We just have a lot of things in the tea room, teapots and tea cups and things like that,” Carpenter said. “All of the family’s personal things are maybe up for sale.”
The Chattaway is a family-run institution. Matriarch and owner Jillian Frers was at the helm until her eldest daughter Debby took the lead.
The Chattaway has lots of dedicated regulars and long-time employees, like Carlos Loftley, who has been cooking at the restaurant for 25 years, Carpenter said, since he was 15 years old.
If the sale falters, Carpenter and Kitto are committed to continue operating until they find the right buyer, Carpenter said.
“People want to know, which we aren’t in a position to say, what’s going to be in this spot,”she said.
Fans may have to wait a little longer to find out.
Mahoney said “there is substantial work to be done before any decisions are made.”
358 22nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-823-1594. thechattaway.com
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