The owners of Bodega are adding another concept to their small empire. Debbie and George Sayegh opened several restaurants in Brooklyn before moving to St. Petersburg in 2011. They opened the first location of the popular St. Pete staple Bodega Latin American Market along Central Avenue in 2015, and another in Seminole Heights last year.
“When Bodega first opened, we were the only restaurant in the EDGE District. There was no one else there,” Debbie says.
Baba, the Sayeghs’ newest concept which is slated to open in the coming weeks, touches on their Mediterranean roots. The duo wanted to dedicate the restaurant to their fathers and their culture. A few years went by before they found their location in the Grand Central District at 2701 Central Avenue.
“In Greek and Lebanese, ‘baba’ means dad. We opened a lot of Latin and American restaurants so opening a Mediterranean spot was something we wanted to do. It took a long time,” Debbie says.
Visitors can’t help but notice the evil eye motif throughout the restaurant. Folklore surrounding the evil eye describes it as a symbol used to scare off evil spirits and bring good to anyone receiving one. Rocks painted with evil eyes are handed to guests in the dining room when the check comes as a parting gift and a way of saying thank you.
“In Greek culture, it’s super important. Everyone gets an eye to ward off evil and you see the eye everywhere in Greece and Turkey. It’s like our little trademark,” she says.
The menu is full of Greek and Lebanese goodies like baklava, kabobs, spanakopita, and hummus (use their pita bread made in-house to scoop). Expect to see the menu filled with seafood like octopus along with a few veggie dishes.
The entire menu ranges between $4-$12.
A full bar with wine, liquor, and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails sits in the dining room.
“You’ll be able to get a different variety of things. It’s very clean, fresh eating,” she mentions.
The restaurant has taken over a renovated gas station which is a 2,000-square-foot space covered from top to bottom with various old family photos of grandparents and relatives. The dining room sits 80 inside for an intimate feel. A covered patio seats 70 and feels like you’re sitting right in the Sayeghs’ backyard, featuring herbs growing in what looks to be an elevated lasagna garden and hanging lights.
Although there won’t be a grand opening, Debbie is looking forward to finally being able to welcome everyone in and try the latest concept on the block.
“We just want to open and just go to work. That’s it,” she says.
To grab your first taste of what Baba has to offer, swing by the bakery next door, which is currently open 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The dining room will be open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
“We don’t have any of this food here in St. Pete. I think the city is doing awesome in the food industry so why not add another thing? It’s fun and exciting,” she adds.
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