Restaurants opening in St. Pete: From tropical to twisted melts

St. Pete is known as the epicenter of arts and culture in Tampa Bay, but it is also a major foodie destination. 

More locally-owned concepts and national restaurant chains are planting their flags in vacant lots and also filling up existing spaces. 

Here’s a taste of what’s to come: 

Tiki Docks

Boat-up restaurant Tiki Docks is planning to open in Madiera Beach in early 2022, according to multiple reports. 

Tiki Docks is setting up shop in the Cambria Hotel at 15015 Madeira Way. 

Tiki Docks in South St. Pete.

The tropical paradise-themed restaurant has existing locations in Riverview and South St. Petersburg in the Maximo Marina. 

Tiki Docks is a concept from Tampa-based parent company 23 Restaurant Services, which is also the parent company of Ford’s Garage. 

The locations are typically around 15,000 square feet with indoor and outdoor waterfront dining.

Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz 

Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz, known for its oozing melts and food truck, is set to open a downtown St. Pete brick-and-mortar location. 

It will open at 111 3rd St. North, which was formerly occupied by Five Guy’s Burger and Fries. 

Fo’Cheezy ‘s storefront in downtown St. Pete. Facebook image.

The exact opening date has not been announced, but it’s expected to open soon. 

The original brick-and-mortar location is at 6305 Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete Beach. 

Fo’Cheezy was the brainchild of celebrity chef Robert Hesse, who was a multi-winner on the popular show Hell’s Kitchen and had multiple appearances on the Food Network, and restaurateur Craig Munroe. 

A Fo’Cheezy melt. Facebook image.

Fo’Cheezy is also known for its “dranks” like prickly pear, as well as its smothered cheesy tots and hand-spun milkshakes. 

Sōl 

Sōl St. Pete, a health-conscious bistro, will be opening in the Warehouse Arts District in early September. 

It will open at 222 22nd St. South, previously home to Puerto Rican restaurant WEPA Cocina, and next to 3 Daughters Brewing. 

“As someone who has suffered from food allergies my whole life, I wanted to create a place that offered organic, farm-to-table food that was also gluten-free,” Debbie Devico O’Neil, who is opening Sōl St. Pete with her husband Ron O’Neil, told St. Pete Rising. “I want my Sōl tribe to dine out without the fear of being accidentally contaminated.”

The dishes will have a Mediterranean focus, and can be altered to serve those with certain allergies. 

The Crumb Factory 

An Artisan barkery that creates loaves of sourdough bread and fresh croissants is expected to open in West St. Pete in mid-August. 

The Crumb Factory will is slated to open at 5701 Central Ave. in a 2,400-square-foot space, the former home of Rae Rae’s Cafe. 

The business is run by childhood friends Pablo Mardones and Felipe Zavala, who grew up in Chile. 

The duo said they plan on serving breakfast and lunch, French pastries and charcuterie to-go.

Where’s Jubes Aussie Brewpub & Grill 

Local restaurant operator Josh Cameron plans to breathe new life into the old Lucky Dill Deli location and transform it into an Australian brewpub.  

Where’s Jubes logo. Photo provided by Evolve and Co.

Cameron is slated to open his new concept, Where’s Jubes Aussie Brewpub & Grill, in August at 277 Central Ave. 

Related: Shuttered Lucky Dill Deli location to be turned into Australian brewpub

Cameron, Principal of Crafty Hospitality, also owns The Oyster Bar in downtown and the Crafty Squirrel, the site of the old Fortunato’s.