The Chattaway, Good Intentions, Red Mesa Cantina, Harold Seltzer’s: Restaurant Openings, Closings

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - Check out the latest bar and restaurant news in St. Petersburg:

Former Harold Seltzer's Becomes Traditions On Tyrone Event Space

A familiar Tyrone Boulevard property that once housed Harold Seltzer’s Steakhouse and the restaurant's predecessor for nearly 25 years, has been reimagined as Traditions on Tyrone, a modern celebration of life and event center. The venue held its grand opening on June 11.

Traditions on Tyrone, at 3500 Tyrone Blvd. N., is designed for “all life's celebrations,” Christopher Halsey, location manager, told Patch.

Falling under the Dignity Memorial umbrella, best known as a funeral, cremation, and cemetery service provider, Traditions is a unique concept for the brand, serving as a space that can host a range of events: weddings anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, sweet sixteens, business meetings, and community celebrations, as well as memorial services.

Popular Mexican Restaurant Abruptly Closes In Downtown St. Pete

A popular Mexican restaurant and event space has abruptly shut the doors of its downtown location after 16 years in business.

The Red Mesa Cantina location at 128 3rd Street South has permanently closed, ownership wrote in a statement shared to social media on June 2.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that, effective immediately, Red Mesa Cantina will be closing after 16 unforgettable years in downtown St. Petersburg, along with Red Mesa Event Spaces located above the restaurant, which became home to so many celebrations, milestones, and memories over the years,” the post said. “What began as a vision to bring people together through food, hospitality, and community became something far greater because of all of you. From weddings and rooftop receptions to Taco & Tequila fiestas, birthdays, holiday parties, and countless celebrations — thank you for making these spaces feel so special.”

The Chattaway To Remain Open In St. Pete Under New Ownership: Report

There’s some good news for those who love The Chattaway.

After announcing in March its impending closure sometime this summer, the beloved restaurant will stay open under new ownership, St. Pete Rising reported.

The family behind the 75-year-old restaurant at 358 22nd Ave. S., St. Pete’s longest-running restaurant, announced that the property was under contract and expected to close once the sale was completed.

They even began planning a yard sale at the restaurant to sell Chattaway memorabilia and decor.

The eatery was established in 1951 by Jillian Frers, who moved here from England.

But now, the iconic restaurant will remain open under the helm of a local ownership group led by real estate investor Cullen Mahoney. The group also includes Ferg’s Sports Bar owner Mark Ferguson and John John Delladonna, who owns Shrimpy’s Waterfront, St. Pete Rising said.

2 St. Pete Restaurants Recognized By Michelin Guide FL

Two St. Petersburg restaurants were honored by Michelin Guide Florida during a ceremony announcing the 2026 selections at the end of May.

In total, two new Florida restaurants were awarded Michelin stars, while 10 earned the Bib Gourmand distinction and 38 were named Michelin-recommended eateries.

The Michelin Guide launched in Florida in 2022 as a partnership with Visit Florida and initially focused on Miami, Orlando and Tampa. Last year, it expanded to include the greater Fort Lauderdale area, the Palm Beaches, and the St. Petersburg-Clearwater area.

In St. Petersburg, Elliott Aster and In Between Days made the Michelin-recommended list.

Vegan Restaurant Closing After Four Years

After four years in business, vegan restaurant Good Intentions will be closing down “in the coming weeks,” the owners announced in a June 12 social media post.

“After much thought and many attempts to navigate the economic realities of running a restaurant, we’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to step away,” they wrote. “For the past almost four years, we’ve had an incredible time sharing our love of food and community with all of you. Unfortunately, we will have to end this party sooner than we hoped.”

There’s no set date planned for the closure, but they hope to remain open through July.

“Our doors remaining open for as long as possible can’t happen without the support of our community. We can’t do this without each and every one of you,” the owners wrote.

In the meantime, the restaurant will no longer open for lunch on Fridays and will close on weekends from 3 to 5 p.m. in between brunch and dinner service.

All scheduled June events will happen as planned.