St. Petersburg’s Iberian Rooster is closing its doors next weekend, after Saturday, Feb. 27, owner Russell Andrade wrote in a Facebook post Thursday.
“I just wanted to let everyone know that the Rooster will be closing permanently on Feb 27th, after our final drag brunch hosted by Adriana Sparkle [pictured],” Andrade said. “It has been a long crazy ride and we had a lot of fun serving the St. Pete community.”
On Friday, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay spoke with an emotional Andrade who stated the decision to close came after realizing that the basement event space could not continue safely. The venue tried to host one event and restrict the number of attendees, but it didn’t work.
When talking with Andrade, I could hear the anguish in his voice. He was surprised people had such an overwhelming reaction to his Facebook post.
“I’m just really happy to give St. Pete a place that was really special,” Andrade said, “We really catered to everyone.”
Andrade told CL he hopes that any business going into Iberian Rooster’s space at 475 N. Central Ave. sticks with sex-positive, all-inclusive events and overall spirit of the venue.
This week, Andrade is also asking for the public’s help-to drink all of the booze.
“I've got a ton of alcohol left,” Andrade said, announcing weekly drink specials, “Come help me get through it.”
Iberian Rooster will continue its usual weekly events with Tuesday’s open mic and Wednesday’s comedy night hosted by John Jacobs. Andrade also announced that Thursday Feb. 25 will feature an all-you-can-drink special, with karaoke happening on Friday, Feb. 26.
“My family and I wish you the best and hope you'll stop in over the next week to say hello,” Andrade said on Facebook. “We will be serving drag brunch this Saturday and next so please come and support them.”
Iberian Rooster has been a staple in the downtown St. Pete scene since it’s opening a little over four years ago thanks to its three-in-one space with a bar, restaurant and SubCentral, the basement event space. Last fall the restaurant became Avo’s Kitchen—a hit with CL Tampa’s food critic Jon Palmer Claridge.
Andrade confirmed this is not a temporary closing— he will be going back to his first career, singing opera and most likely moving to Europe.
Your first chance to say bye happens tonight during a comedy showcase that starts at 8:30 p.m. You can find a full list of Iberian Rooster’s events here.
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