Nearly three years after construction broke on St. Petersburg’s new food hall, its long-awaited grand opening is finally approaching.
Central Park is heading to 551 Central Ave., where Sarasota-based Hi Hospitality Group has spent the last three years building a brand new food hall, late-night hotspot and event space.
Helmed by Chef Hart Lawley, executive chef of High Hospitality, the sprawling 27,700-square-foot concept will feature a new basement upscale cocktail bar, seven fast-casual spots in the main food hall area on the first floor, and a dessert bar and boutique on the mezzanine level. Asian-inspired restaurant Kojo and cocktail spot Bar Hana will both occupy the fourth floor, the latter of which will offer stunning views of downtown St. Pete and Tampa Bay from its rooftop.
The fifth floor of Central Park will be a members-only dining area and social club, featuring “a private bar and lounge area designed with lavish emerald green accents.”
In addition to housing a variety of dining concepts, Central Park will also curate a variety of events and activities, as well as “visual programming” on a 23-foot television screen, said Robert Castellon, director of operations for Hi Hospitality.
The company described Central Park as “where gourmet street food meets contemporary culinary and mixology innovation,” and revealed that the multifaceted concept is due to open later this year.
Only five of the food hall’s seven fast-casual restaurants have been announced, many with flagship locations in Sarasota: Palm Avenue Deli will serve New York-style sandwiches with Constellation Burger and Don Ricardo’s Taqueria, as well as Italian fare from Speaks Pasta and health-conscious fare from Strawberry Fields.
The massive project was first announced in early 2020, nearly two years after once-beloved breakfast spot Dome Grill closed.
Construction on the food hall broke ground in 2021, but extensive renovations to the historic building and construction of a new basement took several years.
“Combining the Woolworth Building’s historic architecture with contemporary elements, the building’s five floors offer numerous opportunities for visual discovery,” the press release states. “The food hall features a large brick wall retained from the original building, adding to its historic charm.”
In addition to a diverse range of dining options, Central Park will also feature a boutique overseen by the daughter of Hi Hospitality founder Natalia Levy, selling a variety of lifestyle items while paying homage to the building’s history as a Woolworth store.
For the latest news about St. Petersburg’s new food hall and event space, scheduled to open later this year, follow @CentralParkFoodHall on Facebook or @centralparkstpete on Instagram.
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