Vegan cooking school, kitchen to open in St. Pete

Much of South St. Pete is known for its lack of immediate fresh food sources, but that will change with the rise of the area’s first-ever vegan cooking school and kitchen concept.

Kate Harvey, who operates a wholesale vegan food production company in Tyrone, specializing in grab-and-go meals, has inked a 10-year lease for a freestanding building at 1055 4th St. S., directly next to the ARK Innovation Center. The new school and kitchen concept will introduce the community to plant-based dishes while supporting local chefs in St. Petersburg.

“I realized this fresh grab-and-go concept is very popular in the U.K., where I was born, but it was not so popular here until the pandemic started. It’s a unique concept that is selling very well,” Harvey said. “I envisioned having a brick-and-mortar property that would be large enough for our food production and enable staff to grow and develop their skills.”

Today, Harvey’s products can be found on the grab-and-go shelves in the local Rollin’ Oats Market. Harvey is getting ready to roll out products to Earth Origins Market’s locations, as well as with niche grocer Sprouts. Over the next few months, Harvey said her products will be available in 14 markets across the state.

The 4,220-square-foot building in the Innovation District will expand Harvey’s production capacity and establish a ghost kitchen, which is physical space for different operators to create food for pick-up or delivery.

1055 4th St. S., St. Petersburg. Photo: Jessica Dwyer.

“Rather than a traditional cafe, this will be a place with a deli where you can get wraps and soups and pick out fresh bread or sage bouquets – it’s going to be an eclectic mix alongside a cooking school,” Harvey said, adding she would like to include a boutique champagne bar offering plant-based tapas.

Harvey discovered the space through Jessica Dwyer, a realtor at the Dalton Wade Real Estate Group, who met Harvey over a year ago.

Dwyer, who listed the building, said it was an ideal location as it has an existing kitchen and abundant parking.

“There are so many residents, office dwellers, USF [University of South Florida] students and more who will love having a healthy and delicious alternative in the neighborhood. The Innovation District is such a wonderful part of the greater downtown area. I know A Good Human will thrive and be a huge asset in the community,” Dwyer said.

The landlord is installing a new roof, HVAC system, windows and doors for the emporium, which is expected to open by June.

Harvey and Jenn Stewart, the executive chef, will be hiring an additional kitchen manager and other staff members.