The Wig Villa space at 575 Central Avenue in St. Petersburg has been empty for some time now, but the old storefront will undergo a complete makeover when steak and seafood restaurant The Crane opens out of the space early next year.

According to The Crane’s social media, local foodies can expect this new downtown heavy hitter by January 2022. Alongside fresh seafood and steak options, The Crane will also have a wide selection of craft cocktails to match its upscale, elegant decor.

According to I Love the Burg, like its newly-opened sister concept Mangosteen—located at 656 Central Ave.—The Crane will push cuisine that’s Asian-influenced, according to its hashtags on Instagram. The two new restaurants share an owner, Sean Thongsiri, who is responsible for many other Asian-inspired restaurants including Chive Sea Bar + Lounge and Tangerine Fusion and Sushi Bar—both located in Savannah, Georgia. Mangosteen flaunts a tropical Asian menu, while The Crane will pull from a wide variety of global flavors.

The wall on the corner of Central Avenue and 6th Street has been a blank slate for years, but will soon have a large crane sprawled across it, fitting in with the rest of the colorful murals of downtown St. Pete. And luckily, the wig shop is still in operation a few blocks south at 200 Dr M.L.K. Jr St N.

The Crane will soon be neighbors with fellow downtown eateries Cider Press Cafe, Bangkok 9 and Brick & Mortar when it opens on the 500 block early next year. Keep your eyes peeled on The Crane’s Facebook and Instagram for any new information about its highly-anticipated grand opening.

UPDATED 11/04/21 4 p.m. Updated to remove reference to rooftop bar—there isn't one.

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