After 16 years in downtown, St. Petersburg\u2019s Red Mesa Cantina has permanently closed its doors.<\/p>\n
The restaurant announced on its website and Facebook page today that the group has decided to immediately shutter the cantina and the Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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 Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which became home to so many celebrations, milestones, and memories over the years,\u201d the post said.<\/p>\n
Red Mesa Cantina\u2019s parent company, Veytia Ventures LLC owned by Peter Veytia Jr., filed for bankruptcy protection in the Middle District of Florida on Monday, June 1.<\/p>\n
Veytia Jr. operates Red Mesa Restaurant and two Red Mesa Mercado locations, all in St. Petersburg. It is unclear if the other restaurants will be affected by the closure.<\/p>\n
In 2023, the Red Mesa restaurants were embroiled in a federal investigation<\/a> by the U.S. Department of Labor that resulted in the recovery of more than $190,000 in lost wages.<\/p>\n Red Mesa Cantina was known for its Mexican cuisine and large tequila selection<\/a>, plus a charming outdoor patio and bar.<\/p>\n Do you have memories of eating at the longtime spot? Share them in the comments below.<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n The Tampa Bay Times Food Hub launched in 2026, a four-person team covering Tampa Bay\u2019s dynamic and expanding food scene. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Want food news weekly in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Top 50 Restaurants: Check out our food critic\u2019s list<\/a> of the area\u2019s best spots.<\/p>\n Follow our updates on the local restaurant landscape on Instagram at @tampabaytimesfood<\/a>.<\/p>\n