Thrive
Red Apple breaks ground on 400 Central’s first retailer
Mayor Ken Welch discussed downtown business growth.
Owners of the first retail concept at the Red Apple Group’s 400 Central tower have officially broken ground on their approximately 2,000-square-foot space. Volta Wine + Market is expected to open by the end of the year.
St. Petersburg elected officials and local business leaders came together today to celebrate the occasion. For Mayor Ken Welch, it was an opportunity to discuss the future of Central Avenue.
“Businesses like Volta Wine + Market reflect the growing demand for thoughtful and locally-driven concepts that bring people together in meaningful ways,” he explained at the gathering. “We’re proud to support local businesses and entrepreneurs who are investing their ideas, time and energy right here in their community.”
Welch added that the downtown area is “evolving” and that “this project signals continued momentum and a strong vote of confidence in the direction that our city is heading.”
Volta Wine + Market founders Zach Pace and Rachelle Tomushev signed a lease with the New York-based Red Apple Group in the summer of 2025. The planned concept will feature a wine shop, bar and speciality grocery store.
Pace, a sommelier by trade, has over 20 years of experience in the wine industry. From 2019 to 2023, Pace oversaw an online wine retail business. After moving to the Tampa Bay area, he served as the consulting chief operating officer for Ten Rooms in Ybor City, which closed in 2024.
Tomushev, who gave the opening remarks at today’s gathering, provided attendees with a tour of the space. To help guests envision what the establishment will look like, renderings were displayed on screens around the property.
Renderings were displayed around the Volta Wine + Market space to show guests what different areas will look like upon completion.
Pace said that the concept will feature a locally-inspired design with “Mediterranean and Art Deco influences.” Additionally, Pace and Tomushev plan to use products from St. Petersburg, other Florida municipalities and the southeastern U.S. They also chose to work with investors who have a stake in the St. Petersburg area and declined offers from “out of towners.”
The Residences at 400 Central is the tallest tower in St. Petersburg. Construction on the over $400 million venture began in 2022. The Red Apple Group received a temporary certificate of occupancy for the building’s first 25 floors in late 2025.
Additional tenants include PNC Bank, Michael Saunders & Company and Dynasty Financial Partners.
Pace and Tomushev have put “blood, sweat and tears into creating a business here that fits right in with our culture,” St. Petersburg City Council member Gina Driscoll added at today’s event. She explained that the project “highlights the strength of our community” and shows that “we come together to support our small businesses.”
