Located at 242 Central Ave. on one of the most popular blocks in downtown, Welcome to the Farm (commonly stylized as "WTF") celebrates its grand opening on Friday, Oct. 7.
Longtime Ringside Cafe manager Mitch Gray told Creative Loafing in December of 2021 that St. Pete's MacDinton's would be transformed into a country bar, and 9 months later his predications have fully come into fruition. The popular Irish bar unexpectedly closed in April of this year, as its replacement, Welcome to the Farm, was announced just a month later.
Welcome to the Farm's social media pages give its future customers a sneak peek
of the downtown hotspot, inspired by the family farm of co-owner and
“Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen." singer Chase Rice. WTF is a collaboration between Rice, Forward Hospitality and Jannus Live owner Jeff Knight.
There won't be a better place to down Bud Lights and sing along to your favorite country bangers than this upcoming bar and venue, adorned with American flags and old timey Dairy Queen signs.
In addition to a hearty beer list, Welcome to the Farm will also offer signature cocktails, like its cowboy crush margaritas, "big ass" mules, Jack's jack and coke and its signature "WTF" shot with Crown Royal Peach tea and lemonade. It's flagship location in Ohio carries a wide variety of whiskey, bourbon and other spirits from local distilleries, but it's unsure if St. Pete's bar will have the same extensive booze list.
St. Pete's Welcome to the Farm is hosting open auditions on Monday, Sept. 26 and Tuesday, Sept. 27 for any local bands or solo acts that are interested in taking its stage soon. To reserve your slot, email [email protected].
The only other Welcome to the Farm is located in Cleveland, where its operator Forward Hospitality is based out of. The same hospitality group is getting another concept ready to debut in St. Petersburg, as we can expect Good Night John Boy, a 1970s-themed dance club, to open out of the former Ringside Cafe location at 16 2nd St. N sometime soon. Welcome to the Farm's next door neighbor, the newly-opened seafood joint Cap's, shares the former MacDinton's space with the soon-to-open bar and venue.
Give Welcome to the Farm's newly-formed Facebook and Instagram pages a follow for the latest information on its grand opening, events and operating hours.
