News Summary
After 16 years of serving the Tampa Bay area, Datz has permanently closed its St. Petersburg location. The announcement reflects the end of a beloved establishment known for its unique menu and warm atmosphere. The closure marks a significant change for the local dining scene, as it was one of the area’s established eateries. This event highlights the challenges faced by local restaurants and the evolving market dynamics, while also leaving room for new dining opportunities in the future.
St. Petersburg Restaurant Datz Closes After 16 Years
Datz, a prominent restaurant brand in the Tampa Bay area, has permanently closed its downtown St. Petersburg location after 16 years of operation. The closure was officially announced via a sign affixed to the restaurant’s door, signed by owners Suzanne and Roger Perry, marking the end of an era for the beloved establishment.
The closure notice described the moment as “an ending to an era” and reflected on the memorable journey the restaurant had experienced over the years. It emphasized that “unfortunately, we have finished our final chapter in our Datz story.” The St. Petersburg location, which opened in 2019, occupied a spacious 5,000-square-foot area at 180 Central Ave., conveniently situated next to the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art.
Background of the Brand
Datz was first launched in South Tampa in 2009, quickly gaining a reputation for its distinctive menu and warm atmosphere. Following its establishment in South Tampa, the St. Petersburg location was introduced a decade later, contributing to the brand’s expansion within the region.
However, the recent closure results from a series of challenges faced by the Datz brand. Earlier this year, the original Datz location in South Tampa closed its doors in 2023. Additionally, the Riverview outpost of Datz also shuttered last year, marking a significant decline in the restaurant’s presence in the area.
Furthermore, the Perrys previously owned a restaurant known as Dr. BBQ, located in St. Pete’s EDGE District. However, they sold that property in 2022. The closure of Datz’s St. Petersburg location aligns with the overall trend of diminishing support for the brand, as all three locations are now closed.
Implications for the Local Dining Scene
The permanent closure of Datz signifies a notable change in the local dining landscape. As one of the established eateries in the area, its absence will be felt by loyal customers and local residents who frequented the restaurant for its unique offerings. The St. Petersburg-community now faces a shifting dining environment as various restaurants come and go, emphasizing the challenges faced by local eateries in an evolving market.
With the combination of closures and changing consumer expectations, the restaurant industry in St. Petersburg is undergoing a transformative phase, which could lead to new opportunities for other businesses to fill the gaps left by established names.
As the Datz brand becomes a part of local culinary history, supporters and food enthusiasts can only look forward to what new dining options might emerge in the future. This trend exemplifies the resilience and adaptability required for local businesses to thrive amidst challenging conditions.
The article highlights the enduring impact of small businesses on the community and serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local establishments. In light of these changes, it encourages readers to stay engaged with local business news to keep abreast of developments in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Datz Restaurant Closes
- WTSP: Datz Opens St. Petersburg Restaurant
- The Gabber: Datz Closes St. Pete Location
- Washington Post: Restaurant Layoffs in Florida
- Market Watch: Floridian Flare
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Google Search: Restaurant Industry News
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Management
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- Google News: St. Petersburg Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
