Listen up, fried chicken fiends: The Roost has announced it's leaving St. Pete Beach for south St. Petersburg's Historic Seaboard Train Station.
On Monday, The Roost owner and local philanthropist Beth Morean told CL by phone that her comfort food haven — specializing in Northern-style fried chicken at 7141 Gulf Blvd. — plans to merge with CA Cafe inside the Warehouse Arts District's Morean Center for Clay at 420 22nd St. S.
"We've built a wonderful, loyal following of people who love our food," Morean said, "but it's not enough to sustain us in this location."
Luckily, CA Cafe isn't going anywhere, and The Roost's staff is also making the move to St. Pete. Anticipated menu items from the soon-to-relocate restaurant include salads, sandwiches, sides and that glorious fried chicken — made with a secret gluten-free breading CL A&E Editor Cathy Salustri raved about in last month's #BecauseGluten column.
Back in 2016, The Roost premiered on the beach in the former Dockside Dave's building, which Morean also owns. She opened the restaurant as a way to honor her grandmother and her friend John Hogan.
"My grandmother was 106 years old… She taught me to cook; they're her recipes," Morean said. "John always loved Michigan broasted-style chicken."
The Roost's goal is to continue operations in St. Pete Beach through July 4, then relaunch in its new St. Pete home by mid-July.
"We hope everybody follows us and joins us in the new location," Morean added.
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 7, 2018.