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After Sunday, the Pesky Pelican will fly off into the sunset
The Pesky Pelican Brew Pub, a western St. Pete staple, will close its doors New Year’s Eve. Located at 923 72nd Street N. in the Azalea neighborhood, the restaurant’s longtime owner made the announcement in a Facebook post Dec. 27.
Dan Pemberton told the Catalyst that due to the sudden loss of his son earlier this month and the current economy, keeping the business open was unsustainable. “The cost of labor and goods has increased,” Pemberton said. “Not to mention insurance and minimum wage. I was working seven days a week, and paying the employees out of my own pocket.”
In 2016 Pemberton, with a software development background and no prior restaurant experience, purchased with his daughter what was then McNally’s Neighborhood Grill. Beer brewing was an important element of the Pesky Pelican success story until Covid-19 halted it indefinitely.
Dan Pemberton. Photo provided.
And with the supply chain shortages caused by the pandemic, Pemberton gave a helping hand to the community. He leveraged his access to meat vendors when it was hard to get groceries, and also donated space to a food bank next door.
The menu featured everything from St. Louis-style pizza, burgers, seafood and Cuban sandwiches, to Taco Tuesday specials. The staff kept the neighborhood engaged with events including Trivia Night, Open Mic, Drag Queen Bingo Night and Jeopardy.
The Pesky Pelican has had a profound impact on West St. Pete community leader Aron Bryce. “Dan even ended up taking the space next door over, and rather than turn it into an expansion of the restaurant, donated the space to Love Thy Neighbor food pantry for free,” Bryce said.
“I was able to host a couple different happy hour socials there where neighbors could meet each other in a casual setting, and I even had my college graduation party there. The restaurant may be closing but the years of memories for all of its patrons are forever. Dan is an exemplary leader in our community, and I wish him and all the Pesky Pelican team the best as they move into their next chapter.”
Pemberton said there are talks of another restaurant concept opening at the location, although they are preliminary.
rebecca donnelson
January 1, 2024at1:16 pm
So sorry for your loss, Mr Pemberton. Also, we will miss the Pesky Pelican when visiting from Indy. Thank you for a fun “Cardinal” hangout and for your community work.
A friend
January 1, 2024at12:39 am
My sincere condolences for loss of Jake pemberton, Dans son. That seemed so unfair to a man who gives his all to everyone. St Pete was blessed to have him and his bar/restaurant. Mr. P will be in our prayers!
Karen A
December 31, 2023at2:18 pm
So sad to loose our source for good St Louis food. It was a bit of a haul to get there from Bradenton, but we loved it when we could get there. Best of luck to Dan!!
WK
December 31, 2023at11:21 am
I wish him the best.
Azalea needs Brunch.
Check out Harbor Cafe in Santa Cruz for inspiration
Vickie T.
December 31, 2023at4:50 am
So very sorry to hear this sad news. Pesky Pelican was a place that people could feel comfortable at, with no judgment. Always great food and good times! The community will miss you!