In a statement shared on social media, the restaurant’s team said the decision was made effective immediately.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that, effective immediately, Red Mesa Cantina will be closing after 16 unforgettable years in downtown St. Petersburg, along with the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which became home to so many celebrations, milestones, and memories over the years.”
The team reflected on the thousands of gatherings hosted at the property, from weddings and rooftop receptions to birthdays, holiday parties, and community events.
“What began as a vision to bring people together through food, hospitality, and community became something far greater because of all of you,” the statement continued.
“We are deeply grateful for every guest, couple, client, vendor, employee, and friend who supported us throughout this journey,” the team wrote. “Though these doors are closing, the memories created here will stay with us forever.”
The closure only affects Red Mesa Cantina and the event spaces above the restaurant. Other concepts within the Red Mesa family, including Red Mesa Restaurant at 4912 4th Street North, Red Mesa Mercado at 1100 1st Avenue North in the EDGE District, and Red Mesa Mercado’s west St. Pete location at 6777 Central Avenue, remain open.
While Red Mesa Cantina’s closure marks the end of a 16-year run downtown, it remains unclear what comes next for the property. As of publication, no replacement tenant or redevelopment plans have been announced for either the restaurant space or the event venues above it.
Red Mesa Cantina concluded its announcement with a simple message to the community:
“Thank you for every visit, every celebration, every recommendation, and every moment shared with us.”