Over the course of last month, Business Debut spoke with 5 new restaurant owners to get the details of their plans. Two of these businesses have since opened, and the other three are making strides. <\/p>\n
Read the full report linked beneath each blurb. <\/p>\n
Jackson\u2019s \u2014 St. Petersburg<\/p>\n
Address: 1700 34th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711<\/p>\n
Status: Targeting a February opening; permitting with the city is in final stages.<\/p>\n
What to expect: Full-service gastropub with a full liquor bar; ~120 indoor seats across ~4,000 sq. ft.; no patio; no smoking on property.<\/p>\n
Menu highlights: American regional cooking\u2014Southern soul food, Cajun-inspired plates, and familiar gastropub fare. Executive chef is Sean Ford.<\/p>\n
Hours: Daily service starting ~4:30 p.m.; earlier opens on weekends for brunch and sports; projected closings 10\u201311 p.m.<\/p>\n
Who\u2019s behind it: Local restaurateur Dan Soronen with his wife Aisha Jackson; past projects include Old Northeast Tavern, Shackleton\u2019s Folly, and Brew Burgers. Southern\/Louisiana influence guided by Aisha\u2019s Baton Rouge roots.<\/p>\n
Source: New Full-Service Gastropub Opening in St. Petersburg<\/a><\/p>\n Say Coffee House \u2014 St. Petersburg<\/p>\n Address: 2414 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712<\/p>\n Status: Aiming for March or April 2026.<\/p>\n What to expect: Fast-casual Vietnamese specialty coffee bar; ~20\u201324 seats inside plus ~15 outside; industrial interior and a patio with \u201cVietnam street coffee\u201d vibes.<\/p>\n Menu highlights: Modernized traditional Vietnamese coffee\u2014egg coffee, ube coffee, sea-salt coffee\u2014plus ceremonial matcha, refreshers, and twisted tea drinks (e.g., lychee green tea, jasmine milk tea latte). House-made croffles are in R&D, with basic pastries, bagels, and croissants.<\/p>\n Hours: Planned daily 8 a.m.\u20134 p.m.<\/p>\n Who\u2019s behind it: Owners Haley Huynh and Huy Ho; key ingredients imported from Asia (Vietnamese coffee, Japanese matcha, teas sourced in Asia).<\/p>\n Source: Vietnamese Specialty Coffee Shop Coming to St. Petersburg<\/a><\/p>\n The Bearded Turtle \u2014 Tarpon Springs<\/p>\n Address: 847 Roosevelt Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689<\/p>\n Status: Now open!<\/p>\n What to expect: Flexible full-service setup near the Sponge Docks: indoor bistro, poolside patio bar, and outdoor deck; swimwear welcome outdoors; ~75\u2013100 seats inside and ~100 outside.<\/p>\n Menu highlights: Florida seafood focus with local sourcing; grouper dishes and sandwich, steak bites, rotating catches, plus chef\u2019s short rib rag\u00f9 over flat egg noodles. Elevated-but-approachable upstairs bistro.<\/p>\n Hours: About 11 a.m.\u201311 p.m., five or six days weekly (TBA).<\/p>\n Who\u2019s behind it: Owner Richard Landreman; kitchen led by Executive Chef Brian Healy. F&B program by Eleni Tsitsongas. Brand features a story-driven mascot, Captain Shadow.<\/p>\n Source: Indoor \/ Outdoor Dining From Local Chef Coming to Tarpon Springs<\/a><\/p>\n Lazy Crave \u2014 Palm Harbor<\/p>\n Address: 2706 US-19 ALT, Unit 107, Palm Harbor, FL 34683<\/p>\n Status: Targeting mid-February for first brick-and-mortar; food truck continues.<\/p>\n What to expect: Family-friendly counter service with ~20\u201340 seats and a toddler play area. Chill, sloth-mascot vibes.<\/p>\n Menu highlights: Soft-serve and hand-scooped ice cream, Belgian waffles, NY-style bagels (imported from New York), full coffee program. Hits include the coffee shake (soft-serve + cold brew), ice cream tacos, and ice cream nachos with house waffle-cone shells. Local suppliers for ice cream; rotating seasonal flavors.<\/p>\n Hours: Mon\u2013Thu 7 a.m.\u20139 p.m.; Fri\u2013Sat 7 a.m.\u201310 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.\u20139 p.m. Holiday hours TBA.<\/p>\n Who\u2019s behind it: Owner Tanya Pinette grew the brand from a December 2024 food truck; truck remains active for events across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco.<\/p>\n