News Summary
Studio Public House, a popular pub in St. Petersburg, is set to close by late summer due to the sale of its building. After notifying the owner of the sale, the founder received news that their lease would not be renewed. Despite this setback, the team’s optimism remains high as they explore options to reopen in a new location while maintaining staff continuity and considering reviving the Moon Under Water pub.
St. Petersburg – Studio Public House, a beloved pub that has been a staple in St. Petersburg for the past four years, is set to close its doors after the landlord of the building announced the sale of the property. The closure is expected to take place by the end of July or possibly into August, as the pub’s owners finalize their remaining operations.
The decision to close came after Michael Crippin, the founder of Studio Public House, received notification on June 20 that the landlord had opted to sell the building. Under current lease terms, when a property is sold, the landlord is not required to renew existing leases, complicating the pub’s ability to continue its operations. Compounding the situation, the owners had recently secured a verbal agreement for a five-year lease extension earlier in January, which has now been invalidated due to the impending sale.
Throughout the remaining weeks of operation, Studio Public House plans to continue serving its popular menu, which includes dishes such as fish and chips, spiced potato volcano, and zesty Bollywood chicken. The owners are also focused on providing their staff ample notice regarding the closure, allowing employees to prepare for the transition ahead.
In spite of the setbacks, Crippin and his team are actively pursuing options to reopen Studio Public House in a new location within St. Petersburg. They are committed to bringing along as many employees as possible to maintain continuity for both the workforce and loyal customers. The search for a new venue, however, presents its own set of challenges; high rental prices and limited available spaces in the Grand Central neighborhood make the search increasingly difficult.
In addition to relocating Studio Public House, Crippin is also considering the revival of the Moon Under Water pub, which operated in downtown St. Petersburg for approximately 20 years prior to its closure in 2020. This undertaking reflects Crippin’s dedication to the pub scene in St. Petersburg and his desire to continue providing quality dining experiences to the community.
The staff at Studio Public House, including manager and server Allie Claudill, remain optimistic about the future of the brand. They are open to exploring various avenues, such as pop-up events and potential partnerships with other businesses, while also assessing prospects for selling the operation. The commitment of the team and their positive outlook suggest that they aspire to contribute further to the local dining culture, even amidst the uncertainty of the current situation.
As the community prepares for the impending closure, Studio Public House’s legacy during its brief yet impactful four years in St. Petersburg will be remembered by many local patrons. The pub has become a welcoming spot for social gatherings, dining, and enjoyment of the local craft beer scene. How the owners navigate these challenges and adapt to the evolving landscape of the St. Petersburg pub market will unfold in the upcoming months.
In summary, Studio Public House is closing due to the sale of its building, with operations expected to continue until late summer. The owners are actively seeking a new location while remaining hopeful for future opportunities to maintain their presence in St. Petersburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beloved British Restaurant The Studio Public House Set to Close
Additional Resources
- Q105: Another Popular St. Pete Pub is Set to Shut Down
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- St. Pete Rising: Beloved St. Pete Bar The Wayward Goose to Close
- Google Search: St. Petersburg pubs closing
- WTSP: The Saint Closing Date Announced
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pub
- St. Pete Catalyst: St. Pete Sports Bar to Close
