News Summary
Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian is set to open a new restaurant at the Central Hotel in St. Petersburg’s Edge District. This venture will contribute significantly to the local culinary scene, with a focus on innovative dining experiences. The restaurant aims to serve over 200 diners and incorporate local flavors. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, alongside other hospitality services managed by Zakarian Hospitality at Halcyon Workspace, which includes a rooftop bar and jazz lounge.
St. Petersburg, FL — Celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, renowned for his appearances on the Food Network and for being a Michelin-starred chef, is set to open a new restaurant at the Central Hotel located within The Central mixed-use development in St. Petersburg’s Edge District. This groundbreaking venture marks a significant addition to the city’s culinary scene and represents Zakarian’s commitment to offering innovative dining experiences.
The restaurant will serve as the flagship dining concept for Central Hotel, which is part of the Autograph Collection by Marriott. Alongside the restaurant, Zakarian Hospitality will oversee all food, beverage, and hospitality services at Halcyon Workspace, an adjacent venue that will boast a rooftop bar, a jazz lounge, as well as banquet and catering services. This multifaceted approach emphasizes a high-quality food and hospitality experience for both hotel guests and residents in the area.
Construction for Halcyon is expected to commence later this year, while the Central Hotel’s development is scheduled to begin in early 2026. The significance of Zakarian’s involvement in this project has been highlighted by Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Development, who noted that it represents a defining moment for the project’s overall vision, underscoring a commitment to quality and innovation.
Zakarian, known for his roles on the competition show “Chopped,” co-hosting the Emmy-nominated program “The Kitchen,” and his status as an Iron Chef on “Iron Chef America,” expressed enthusiasm about contributing to St. Petersburg’s vibrant energy and creativity. His new restaurant is designed to cater to over 200 diners and aims to reflect the unique character of St. Petersburg by incorporating local flavors with a sophisticated dining experience.
Mayor Kenneth T. Welch emphasized that Zakarian’s decision to open a restaurant in St. Petersburg highlights the city’s growing reputation as a premier culinary destination. The city’s culinary landscape has expanded over the years, becoming home to a variety of world-class chefs and innovative dining establishments, further enriching the community’s dining options.
The Central Hotel was specifically selected by Marriott to be part of its Autograph Collection brand. Currently, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is the only other property in St. Petersburg representing this prestigious collection. Other Autograph Collection properties in the Tampa Bay area include Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, The CURRENT and Epicurean Hotels in Tampa, Waterline Villas & Marina in Holmes Beach, and Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota.
The Halcyon Workspace is poised to offer on-demand meeting and conference spaces, enhancing hospitality for tenants and creating a seamless connection to the Central Hotel. This addition will elevate the service offerings in the area, catering to business professionals and leisure travelers alike.
Zakarian has a proven track record of success in leading top kitchens across the United States for over 25 years. He has also recently formed a partnership with Tampa General Hospital to revamp the institution’s food services, further demonstrating his commitment to improving the culinary landscape within the region.
As St. Petersburg anticipates the arrival of this new culinary destination, the community looks forward to the unique dining experience that Geoffrey Zakarian is set to create, further solidifying the city’s status as a vibrant area for food lovers and tourists alike.
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New Businesses Coming to St. Petersburg’s EDGE District
Geoffrey Zakarian to Open New Restaurant in St. Petersburg
Geoffrey Zakarian to Open New Restaurant in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- I Love The Burg
- Wikipedia: Geoffrey Zakarian
- Business Observer
- Google Search: Geoffrey Zakarian
- Patch
- Google Scholar: Geoffrey Zakarian
- St. Peter Ising
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Geoffrey Zakarian
- Q105
- Google News: celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian St. Petersburg
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.
