Another Jimmy Hula’s grand opening, another chance for locals to walk away with free tacos for a year. The St. Petersburg location for the Central Florida-born, surf shack-themed restaurant brand — known for burgers and fish tacos — is now shooting for a premiere closer to early December. Its opening was first announced as Oct. 30, and then Nov. 13, but “very untimely delays due to construction” have pushed the date back further.
When that debut does roll around, though, the first 50 guests will walk away with the aforementioned freebie.
Featuring live music and a 40-seat patio that’s dog-friendly, the new 4,000-square-foot outpost, located at 8123 Fourth St. N. in the former home of 4th Street Tap & Tavern, is the third Jimmy Hula’s for the region. Owners include Pat Katz and Ron Causby, with Tony Marasco acting as managing partner.
For diners who haven’t stopped into Jimmy Hula’s Brandon or Clearwater Beach, the Hawaiian-influenced menu consists of signature tacos, burgers, bowls, salads and brunch items, plus cocktails and 24 craft beers. Orders can be placed for takeout as well.
“As a locally owned business, we are very excited to bring this Orlando-based concept to St. Petersburg,” said Katz, a partner of Island Times Restaurants, which is doing business as Jimmy Hula’s, in a statement. “We hope the folks of this community enjoy it as much as we do, and we hope they support us as much as we hope to support this community.”
According to the Jimmy Hula’s website, a fourth Tampa Bay location is planned for the USF area of Tampa.
Editor's note: This story has been updated since its original publication.