News Summary
Renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian is set to open his first new restaurant in St. Petersburg, Florida, as part of a mixed-use development called The Central. This flagship dining concept will draw inspiration from the local character, aiming to elevate the culinary landscape of the EDGE District. Zakarian, well-known for his modern American cuisine and television appearances, is excited to craft an experience that captures the vibrant energy of the area. The project, which includes a hotel and office tower, is expected to break ground soon, promising a sophisticated dining experience for residents and visitors.
St. Petersburg, Florida will soon welcome renowned chef Geoffrey Zakarian as he prepares to open his first new restaurant in nearly a decade. The announcement comes from Ellison Development, which stated that Zakarian will lead a flagship dining concept at the upcoming Central Hotel, part of a transformative mixed-use project known as The Central. This endeavor aims to redefine the EDGE District in downtown St. Petersburg.
Zakarian, an internationally acclaimed chef and television personality, is best known for his appearances on Food Network programs such as Chopped and The Kitchen, in addition to holding the title of Iron Chef on Iron Chef America. With over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry, he is recognized for his modern American cuisine that emphasizes creativity and local flavors.
The new restaurant will play a central role within Central Hotel, forming the heart of the mixed-use development that will also include the Halcyon Workspace office tower. Zakarian’s culinary program for this establishment will draw inspiration from the unique character of St. Petersburg, blending local ingredients and sophistication to create a distinctive dining experience.
In addition to the flagship restaurant, Zakarian Hospitality will oversee the food and beverage services within The Central. This management will include a rooftop pool bar, jazz lounge, banquets, catering, and curated culinary experiences, ensuring a diverse range of offerings for guests. The project will also provide on-demand meeting and conference spaces, supporting professional twenty tenants in Halcyon Workspace.
Zakarian has expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting his desire to craft a dining experience that aligns with the vibrant energy and creativity of St. Petersburg. The partnership was described as a defining moment for The Central project by Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Development, emphasizing their commitment to quality. Mayor Kenneth T. Welch has highlighted Zakarian’s involvement as a step forward in bolstering St. Petersburg’s growing national reputation.
The Central will also feature St. Petersburg’s newest Autograph Collection hotel, marking the second hotel under this brand in the area, with the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club being the first. Construction for the Halcyon Workspace is scheduled to begin later this year, while Central Hotel is expected to break ground in early 2026.
This ambitious project seeks to elevate the dining, hospitality, and office experiences in the EDGE District, positioning St. Petersburg as a desirable culinary destination. The flagship restaurant is designed to accommodate over 200 guests, and the hotel will offer extra event spaces, including a private dining room and a rooftop ballroom with breathtaking views.
Zakarian’s dedication to enhancing culinary experiences is also reflected in his recent partnership with Tampa General Hospital to revamp their food services, reinforcing his reputation within the culinary world. The Central includes unique features, such as a rooftop garden showcasing a 76-million-year-old Gorgosaurus skeleton, adding to its appeal.
The EDGE District has experienced increased activity with over 130 businesses currently operating, demonstrating a vibrant community commitment and engagement. As these developments unfold, the expectation is high for Zakarian’s contributions to St. Petersburg’s culinary landscape, promising an exciting future for both residents and visitors alike.
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Geoffrey Zakarian to Open New Restaurant in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Rising: Geoffrey Zakarian to Open New Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Geoffrey Zakarian
- I Love The Burg: Chef Geoffrey Zakarian in St. Pete
- Google Search: Geoffrey Zakarian St. Petersburg
- Business Observer: TV Chef Zakarian to Run St. Petersburg Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurants
- Q105: Michelin-Starred Chef to Open Restaurant at Central Hotel
- Google News: Geoffrey Zakarian
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.
