In addition to the restaurant, Southern Luv will also include a small country store selling branded potato chips, beef jerky, St. Pete-themed merchandise, and other retail items.
“St. Petersburg is very near and dear to me,” Tadrus said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “It’s where my wife and I met and is filled with energy and joy. I’ve had my eyes on St. Pete for a very long time.”
Southern Luv’s menu includes St. Louis-style ribs, smoked sausage, pulled pork, 12-hour smoked beef brisket, smoked chicken, and ham, served as platters, bowls, or sandwiches.
Guests can choose from several house-made sauces, including Sweet and Tangy, Sweet Carolina, Bama White Sauce, and Florida Sweet Heat.
In addition to the regular menu, Southern Luv offers select items unique to each market it serves.
“Having a culinary background and flexibility, we want to have dishes that cater specifically to different markets,” Tadrus said.