The Huntsman—a new American concept that focuses on ethically-sourced wild game and "farm & stream-to-table" fare—hopes to debut out of The Mill’s former space at 200 Central Ave. No. 100 during the third or fourth quarter of this year.
While Tallahassee’s flagship location of The Huntsman mainly serves of a crowd of college students or folks traveling for political reasons, Daniel Renninger—who owns the concept with Executive Chef Skylar Stafford and fellow partner Ben Williamson—tells Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the new restaurant will fit well in St. Pete’s “vibrant and eclectic” food scene.
“That 200 Central space is a fantastic location that met all of the criteria that we were looking for," Renninger says. "The landlord, property managers and contractor are excellent to work with and it feels like everything lined up and just makes sense.”
With an appetizer menu of small plates like wood-fired bone marrow, grouper tartare, and fire-roasted oysters alongside entrees like boar and rabbit cacciatore, moulard duck cassoulet and seafood jambalaya, the upcoming restaurant will feature a wide spread of familiar dishes with an eclectic, wild bent.
The Huntsman will also offer separate five-course seasonal tasting menus for either carnivores or vegans, in addition to an a la carte meat menu of elk tenderloins and bison ribeyes. Other items range from a $42 deer leg filet to a $82 five-oz. strip of Japanese A5 wagyu—although its ownership understands that these unique proteins may not be for everyone.
“We have a whole bunch of items that are not as intimidating to some people—filet mignon, imported and domestic wagyu, chicken, fresh seafood, vegan and vegetarian options—we have it all,” Renninger says. “We love exposing people to a dish or protein they’ve never had before, but not everyone is looking for an adventure.”
St. Pete's Huntsman will also offer brunch service, unlike its location in Tallahassee that is only open for dinner and late-night bites. While its brunch and lunch menu are still in development, it will definitely feature all of the expected egg and Benedict dishes alongside daytime cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys.
Sips offered during happy hour, dinner service and late-night hours will include traditional cocktails with unique, carnivorous twists—like its dirty martini with foie gras and black truffle stuffed olives, wild boar bacon-fat washed old fashioneds and beeswax-washed gin to "give the spirit more florality."
It's been more than a year since the fate of the parcel became unclear.
After almost a decade in The 'Burg, The Mill announced its closure in January 2023 citing construction-related issues with its neighboring Art House building, although the Tampa Bay Business Journal reported shortly thereafter that the restaurant faced almost $400,00 of tax liens and were later sued by an investor for "allegedly defaulting on a $270,000 loan."
The Huntsman will most likely deal with a six month inconvenience while Art House wraps its construction up in 2025, but the restaurant's ownership is not worried about its long-term effects.
“Is there construction going on? Yes. Will it be going on for forever? Definitely not," Renninger shares. "The Art House that’s under construction is going to complement our concept and our customers will be able to utilize its valet and other parking services, so it's ultimately a good thing."
In terms of The Huntsman’s own construction and build-out, Renninger says that they’re “completely gutting it down to the studs,” which includes installing a special hood system for its wood-fired grills.
Renninger also tells CL that he and his partners plan to pay everyone on their St. Pete staff a salary with the expected benefits of vacation time, retirement contribution and sick leave. An 18% service fee and additional tip pool will guarantee that The Huntsman staff will receive “the bare minimum of what we think our employees deserve."
This pay structure has been implemented at the Tallahassee location since its 2022 debut, resulting in a very low staff turnover rate. Renninger explains that the Huntsman’s flagship restaurant has retained almost its entire kitchen staff during the two years since it's opened.
For the latest information on St. Pete’s newest bar and restaurant and its late-2024 grand opening, head to its Facebook at @HuntsmanTallahassee or Instagram at @Huntsmanrestaurants.
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