News Summary
Pepe’s Cantina has officially opened its doors in St. Petersburg, offering a unique twist on Mexican dining in the Shoppes at Kenwood. The Florida-based chain aims to provide a swift dining experience with a menu featuring traditional favorites and innovative specials. With a strong emphasis on local ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere, the new location hopes to become a joyful community hub. A grand opening celebration is set for April 11, accompanied by special promotions, including a happy hour and bottomless brunch options.
St. Petersburg – Pepe’s Cantina officially opened its doors three weeks ago, introducing a unique take on Mexican cuisine to the bustling Shoppes at Kenwood. This new location marks the seventh expansion of Pepe’s, a Florida-based restaurant chain founded in Winter Park in 2015. With an extensive menu featuring both traditional and reimagined Mexican dishes, Pepe’s aims to cater to both locals and visitors seeking quality dining options in the Gulf Coast region.
The St. Petersburg branch, located at 3118 3rd Avenue N., stands out not only for its authenticity but also for its swift service, boasting turnaround times of just 5 to 7 minutes for lunch and approximately 15 minutes for dinner. Jose Acosta, the partner and general manager, has expressed a vision for Pepe’s Cantina to become a community hub, catering to the growing demand for vibrant dining experiences in the area.
The choice to establish a location in St. Petersburg marks their first venture on the West Coast of Florida. The decision came after Acosta and his partners considered various Central Florida cities while enjoying a beach trip, ultimately deciding that St. Pete combined the right atmosphere with a promising demographic for their offerings.
In just three weeks since its soft launch, Pepe’s Cantina has already garnered significant attention, achieving over 300 reviews with an impressive average rating of 4.9. The restaurant hopes to present itself as a welcoming retreat for both local residents and city-dwellers, encouraging patronage through its trendy yet cozy décor.
Pepe’s menu is diverse, showcasing classic variations of Mexican favorites alongside innovative specials unique to the Cantina. Guests can enjoy premium fajitas, housemade tacos, creative tapas, and specialty offerings like pulpo a la parrilla and roasted octopus tacos. For those seeking vegetarian or vegan options, nearly 25% of the menu caters to non-meat eaters, featuring items like vegan birria tacos.
The Cantina also prides itself on its drink selection, offering numerous specialty margaritas, palomas, and a full range of cocktails and mocktails. Highlighting a commitment to local sourcing, ingredients are acquired from Cheney Brothers, a Florida-based distributor, ensuring freshness and quality.
Pepe’s Cantina will celebrate its grand opening on April 11, a few days following its soft opening on April 7. As part of its opening festivities, the restaurant is initiating an all-day happy hour from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, along with bottomless sangria and mimosas during Sunday brunch.
Acosta, having befriended founder Frank “Pepe” Chavez while working in Winter Springs, is dedicated to expanding the Pepe’s brand further into the St. Petersburg and Tampa areas. The restaurant serves not just as a dining venue but as a potential launching point for additional locations across the Gulf Coast.
Overall, Pepe’s Cantina invites customers to experience a distinctive perspective on Mexican cuisine within a lively and enjoyable atmosphere, promising to become a beloved destination for food lovers in St. Petersburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Pepe’s Cantina Opens in Kenwood Neighborhood, St. Pete
Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill Opening in Kenwood, St. Pete
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Historic Kenwood Gets Its First Mexican Restaurant
- I Love The Burg: Pepe’s Cantina – Kenwood Pete Mexican Restaurant
- St. Peterising: Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill Opens Next Week in Historic Kenwood
- TCPalm: New Restaurant Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill Opens in Port St. Lucie, Florida
- Google Search: Mexican Cuisine
