Downtown Developments by St. Pete Rising

from Green Bench Monthly Vol. 8, Issue 1, January 2023

by Green Bench Monthly

Love the Golden Rule: Treating Patients with Dignity, Love and Compassion

Sparrow coming soon to 1234 Central Ave Runrun Kids is now open in a kiosk at the St. Pete Pier

Downtown Developments

By Brian Zucker, Owner of St. Pete Rising

It seems like each time we take a stroll through downtown there are new restaurants and galleries opening and more apartment complexes and condo towers being built. We realize it’s difficult to keep track of everything. Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. Each month we will feature a few of the most exciting new downtown developments that are on the horizon for the Sunshine City.

Sparrow, a rooftop bar with a 1960s retro vibe, will debut at the Moxy Hotel by Marriott, which is currently under construction at 1234 Central Avenue in the EDGE District. The beverage menu will include an abundance of custom cocktails as well as big batch cocktails for groups, such as Mixtape Punch, Psychic Visions Punch, and High Tea. Sparrow’s exterior will feature tables overlooking Central Avenue, larger dining tables for groups, and a secondary bar adjacent to the hotel’s rooftop pool. Sparrow is expected to open in the first quarter of 2024.

Runrun Kids Store is now open in a kiosk at the St Pete Pier Marketplace. Although it’s not a full-fledged, brick-and-mortar store (yet!), Runrun is the only kids store in the entire city of St. Pete dedicated to new toys and has already proven to be a popular stop for families with young children. The shop carries well-made toys created from non-toxic materials that foster imagination, problem solving, and creativity.

The Glass Noodle is coming soon to 681 Central Avenue. From the owners of Mangosteen, The Glass Noodle will be an international noodle house serving the most popular noodle dishes from almost every country in Asia, including Korea, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Taiwan. The menu will also include some rice dishes and appetizers, most under $10. There’s no set opening date for The Glass Noodle, but the owners hope to have the new restaurant up and running by the end of year.

Lost & Found, a vintage cocktail bar and lounge, is now open at 2420 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. Lost & Found and will take you back to a simpler time — before social-media trolling, deep fake videos, and Zoom meetings. Guests can enjoy a drink while listening to 70s and 80s music like Foreigner, Van Halen, Madonna, Kool & the Gang, Beastie Boys and more by cover bands and DJs nightly. This is the latest concept from Hunger Thirst Group, which also operates other popular downtown restaurants and bars, such as The Avenue, Park & Rec, No Vacancy, Dirty Laundry, and Good Fortune.

The Juice Shack is coming soon to 657 Central Ave

The Juice Shack is coming soon to 657 Central Avenue. The new juice bar will specialize in a wide range of cold-press juices, smoothies, and wellness shots. It’ll also serves a limited food menu, with items such as toast, acai bowls, paninis, and salads. In the future, they also plan to offer boozy smoothies in St. Pete featuring a healthier sangria and frosé. The Juice Shack is hoping to open their doors by the end of the year.

Hostess is now open at 2635 Central Ave

Hostess, a micro-event space and gift shop, is now open at 2635 Central Avenue in the Grand Central District. Set in a 1950s bungalow, Hostess’s event space is an ideal venue for intimate gatherings such as bridal showers, baby showers, and birthday celebrations. And the retail space carries anything you would bring as a hostess gift or anything you’d need as a hostess. Wine, beer, and grab-and-go food from Lolita’s is also available.