The restaurant industry is a tough one to begin with, even in the best of times. 2020 has presented a whole bunch of new challenges. It's been a tough year, and a bunch of places have permanently closed both before and during the pandemic.
10801 Starkey Rd., Largo Bella Italia opened in 1981 and spent its almost 40 years in business offering guests classic Italian meals, like pizza and pasta dishes, before its closing in February. In a February Facebook post, the restaurant cited the rising costs of food, rent and the decline of the shopping center as its downfall.
212 37th Ave., St. Petersburg Rising rent costs were cited as the reason for this pizza joint’s permanent closure. Known for its speciality pizzas and subs – including a breakfast pizza – Tour de Pizza shut down after almost 10 years in St. Pete. It’s been replaced by Westshore Pizza. That said, there's still a location open at 8824 4th St N. in Saint Petersburg.
4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa A Tampa Bay staple since 1999, Roy’s closed down this February. It’s upscale, heavily seafood-focused cuisine can still be enjoyed, though, at one of its Orlando, Bonita Springs or Jacksonville Beach locations.
8 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg Formerly in the heart of downtown St. Pete, Pipo’s To Go location closed down in early February after its almost- five-year run in the city. Its quick service and traditional comforting Cuban food made the fast-casual joint a must for those looking for Cuban eats. But, the family-owned restaurant’s two other St. Pete locations remain open.
179 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg St. Pete’s Locale Market announced its closure earlier this January, stating it would be replaced by the Sundial plaza’s forthcoming food hall. The two-story Locale Market acted as a hub for those wanting to explore new eating experiences, offering grab-and-go options, dry goods and FarmTable Cucina located on its second floor.
4205 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa The South Tampa creole restaurant closed for good after serving cajun and creole dishes since 2014. The spot’s all-you-can-eat crawfish boil was just one of Roux’s creative New Orleans-style comfort food eats. The married couple owners also own and operate three Datz locations, Dough and Dr. BBQ.
179 2nd Ave N., St. Petersburg St. Pete’s FarmTable Cucina went out with a bang – with an extravagant New Year’s afterparty just before closing for good. The high end dining spot offered downtown St. Pete specialty drinks and entrees on the second floor of the Locale Market.
1907 N. 19th St., Ybor City After online rumors began circulating, Ybor City’s The Bunker employees confirmed its closure. Coining the nickname “Ybor’s living room” by many, the cafe has acted as a community hub for coffee drinkers and art show and DIY concertgoers since its opening in 2006, after a restoration of the building, which has been standing in the district since 1924.
667 Central Ave., St. Petersburg The dog-friendly and very colorful Brew D Licious coffee shop closed permanently after nine years of business. The artsy location served coffee and laid back vibes in its small Central Avenue location.
225 2nd Ave. N., St., St. Petersburg Before shutting down earlier this month, Pour Taproom offered selections of self-serve beer and wine on tap, trivia, and a dog-friendly atmosphere. The bar served St. Pete residents for just under three years.
901 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg Room 901, commonly referred to as “The Conversation Bar,” closed its doors for good after temporarily converting into a bottle shop in the face of COVID-19 restrictions. An intimate, dim-lighted space, Room 901 provided a truly unique option for those looking to have a different sort of barroom experience.
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Photo via Room 901/Instagram
10656 New East Bay Rd., Riverview An extension off of Four Stacks’ Apollo Beach location, this brewery had a short-lived run in Riverview, yet still was able to provide a diverse selection of ales and a great atmosphere.
213 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Caddy’s closed down earlier this year, yet still provided us a variety of burgers and taco dishes housed inside a cool, retro location. Taking over the spot are two new restaurants: The Brickyard and Pizza N’ Brew.
689 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg Although this cafe’s location on MLK Street closed earlier this year, Banyan’s founder and original owner Erica Allums is set to take over the location once again. Patrons can still visit the cafe’s other St. Petersburg location for fresh coffee and brunch items
