Ferg's Pirate Ship, O’Maddy’s Expansion, Zoie's: Restaurant News

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Here's the latest restaurant and bar news in the St. Petersburg area.

Restaurant Serving Modern Southern Comfort Food Coming To Grand Central

Zoie’s, serving “Southern comfort food with a modern twist,” is coming to the Grand Central District in September, it shared to its Facebook page.

The restaurant will open at 2245 Central Ave., which was previously home to Fathers & Son Air Conditioning.

The mission of Zoie’s owner Jeff Baker is to create an inclusive dining experience, according to St. Pete Rising.

“With so much uncertainty and chaos in the world, I want Zoie’s to be a place where everyone is comfortable no matter how different or displaced they may feel,” he said.

According to the eatery’s blog, Zoie’s — named after his pup — is created with “everyone in mind.”

“He believes that we all deserve a seat at the table, regardless of political beliefs, sexual orientation, or any of the other silly details that seem to be dividing our country. Zoie’s will be #aplaceforeveryone to enjoy amazing ‘Modern Southern Comfort Food,’ craft cocktails, and one-of-a-kind drag shows and performances that the entire family can enjoy,” the restaurant wrote.

O’Maddy’s Plans To Expand In Gulfport

A conditional use and special permit through a site plan for an expansion at O’Maddy’s in Gulfport has been approved by the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, according to The Gabber.

The restaurant plans to build a second floor which would fit about 70 seats.

The owners have sought and received approval for an upstairs addition twice since opening in 2005. But since the restaurant never took action on the permits, they expired.

Ferg’s Buys Gasparilla Pirate Ship

Ferg’s Sports Bar at 1320 Central Ave. has purchased the former pirate ship float owned by Tampa’s Bonney-Read Krewe, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

The ship, the Vanity, will be put on display in Ferg’s courtyard. The owner is considering using it at a stage or renting it out for special events.

P.O.P (Plants Over Pills) Expo Planned

The P.O.P. Expo — Plants Over Pills — takes place Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at The Coliseum at 535 4th Ave. N.

The free event features dispensaries, food trucks, plant-based chefs, wellness and art activities, and more than 50 local vendors. Register in advance here.

Downtown Eatery Celebrates National Oyster Day

The Oyster Bar in downtown St. Petersburg celebrates National Oyster Day Friday with various specials at the restaurant, according to a news release.

The oyster selection, based on availability, and varietals could include imports from British Columbia, Rhode Island, Maine, California, Florida and more. Oysters are sold in singles, half dozen, and dozen, and guests can choose from four preparation styles — raw, fried, Rockefeller, or pesto and balsamic.

From 3 to 6 p.m., guests can also enjoy $1 oyster shooters, $1 Gulf oysters, and $5 old-fashioneds, house wines, drafts and Smirnoff.