While DeRusso’s other restaurants focus on pizza, Christian’s on the Water will offer a range of casual dishes, including grouper sandwiches, peel-and-eat shrimp, smoked fish spread, smash burgers, and rice bowls topped with pulled pork, beef, or chicken.
The restaurant also plans to offer a “hook and cook” service, allowing fishermen to bring their catch to be grilled or fried.
Once fully operational, Christian’s on the Water plans to launch weekend breakfast service starting at 9 am on Saturdays and Sundays, offering egg bowls and breakfast sandwiches.
The restaurant is accessible by car, by bicycle (due to its proximity to The Pinellas Trail), and by boat, offering a dozen slips for its customers to use while they dine and drink.
Following its soft opening period, Christian’s will be open from 11 am to 10pm on weekdays and until midnight on weekends.
DeRusso tells St. Pete Rising that the restaurant is named after his late son Christian, and the business’ soft opening coincides with the anniversary of his passing.
He hopes the business will not only provide great food, drinks, and hospitality, but will serve as a living tribute for his son.