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New Businesses Boost St. Petersburg’s Economy

New businesses and dining options are enhancing the economy in St. Petersburg.

News Summary

St. Petersburg, Florida, is experiencing an economic boost with several new businesses opening, including a Chick-fil-A and an Italian market recognized as the top grocery store in the U.S. Healthcare facilities are expanding with new Conviva Senior Primary Care centers, while Foot Locker relocates its headquarters to the area. However, challenges persist as closures of restaurants like Bahama Breeze impact the local dining scene.

St. Petersburg, Florida – The local economy received a boost with several new business openings and notable events impacting retail and dining in the area. Chick-fil-A has opened a new restaurant in the Bradenton area, creating around 130 jobs and expanding dining options for the community. Meanwhile, a local Italian market in St. Petersburg has been recognized as the top grocery store in the United States according to a recent study.

Adding to the local culinary landscape, a Pennsylvania-based milkshake and chocolate shop is planned to open a new location in Riverview, Florida. The rise of healthcare facilities is also noted with the launch of three new Conviva Senior Primary Care centers established within Walmart locations across the Tampa Bay area.

Business Movements and Openings

In a significant development for local retail, Foot Locker announced that it will relocate its headquarters to St. Petersburg, officially signing a lease for 111,000 square feet at 570 Carillon Parkway. This move is expected to enhance Foot Locker’s operational efficiency and support its growth strategy.

Food lovers will also have new dining options to explore, including a modern Japanese restaurant concept brought to the area by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs, as well as two new eateries, Riverwalk Terrace and Perk, which have opened at hotels in Water Street Tampa. Additionally, Trader Joe’s is reportedly considering opening a second location in the Tampa area, promising to further enrich the local grocery shopping scene.

On the retail front, Burlington, a national off-price retailer, is set to open a relocated store in the University Mall area, contributing to the vibrant shopping experience in St. Petersburg.

Challenges and Closures

Despite the growth, the local dining scene faces challenges. The Dolphin Village Shopping Center in St. Pete Beach is currently closed due to a fire that destroyed CVS, Publix, and other businesses, severely impacting local commerce.

Another significant development is the abrupt closure of 15 Bahama Breeze restaurant locations across multiple states, with five locations impacted in Florida, specifically in Naples, Daytona Beach, Oakland Park, Sunrise, and Gainesville. The Gainesville Bahama Breeze location closed after less than a year of operation, which had aimed to offer Caribbean-inspired dining and a vibrant atmosphere.

The closures are part of a strategic decision by parent company Darden Restaurants in response to declining sales, with Bahama Breeze reportedly facing a national sales drop of 7.7% last year. Disappointed customers and employees have expressed concern over the shift in the local culinary landscape, highlighting the store’s significance to the community.

Darden Restaurants indicated that employees affected by the closures may have the opportunity to work at nearby Darden-owned locations or receive severance packages.

Conclusion

The developments in businesses opening and closing reflect the ongoing changes within Florida’s retail and dining sectors. St. Petersburg, and the surrounding areas, are witnessing a mix of new opportunities as well as setbacks amid the challenges that casual dining chains are currently facing. The local economy’s ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial as these changes unfold.