Within the next few weeks, the ‘Burg is getting a bier boutique. Husband-and-wife owners Scott and Heather Brookey have packed up their popular concept “The bier boutique” to a renovated car garage St. Petersburg’s Historic Uptown District, at 465 7th Ave. N.
The surprisingly spacious 1,700 square-foot space can fit up to 100, including outdoor patio seating.
“Our vision was that the restaurant would be small. We wanted to have it represent a cozy, intimate atmosphere,” says Heather.
BB’s owners have five decades' worth of restaurant experience between them from washing dishes to management in their native Ohio.
The couple played around with the idea of opening in Columbus but decided to head south as they didn’t want to live there forever. Selling all of their belongings, the Brookeys moved to Key West. They opened the first location of The bier boutique in August 2014, acquiring a huge following over the ensuing four years. Lucky for us, they decided to pack up the location in 2018 and move to St. Petersburg.
“We had an idea St. Pete was the place because a lot of people from Key West relocated here. St. Pete gives us the two things we like to do, ride our bikes and dog-friendly places,” Scott says.
With a total of 24 items on the menu ranging from soups, salads, burgers, and desserts, The bier boutique makes it all from scratch. The most popular item in the past for the restaurant has been their Bison bacon burgers. Offerings range from $5-$15 and have daily themes keeping things interesting.
“We’ll have Thankful Thursdays with serving up a variety of different traditional holiday plates each week, Fish 'n’ Chip Fridays, and we’ll play around with some stuff on the weekends,” Scott explains.
Now let’s talk about the booze.
The bar offers a number of craft and imported beers, liquors, wines, local brands and cocktails which are located in the center of the restaurant.
“This is a beer-centric community full of people that appreciate good food and good service,” Heather adds.
The latest ‘Burg eatery will host lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch which will feature a few staple items plus some weekly menu changes.
The Brookeys hope to open the bier boutique in the next coming weeks and have no plans for a grand opening. Scott says after operating another restaurant for four years, they know how it goes.
“We just want to get people in the right places so it can continue to run and be successful,” Scott admits.
Once it makes its debut, The bier boutique will be open seven days a week, Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The Brookeys are looking forward to settling into a community that already feels familiar.
“We’re from small towns and St. Pete has that ‘small-town’ feel to it. Being surrounded by older homes really so we really get that vibe,” Heather says.
Thanks to the upcoming bier boutique, this summer, beers, and burgers are on the menu.
Want to know everything going on with Tampa Bay's food and drink scene? Sign up for our Bites newsletter.
