Melting Pot, Kissin’ Cuzzins, Torchy’s Tacos: Restaurant News

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

Torchy’s Tacos Opening Feb. 1 In Tyrone Area

The Texas-based taco chain Torchy’s Tacos is opening its first Florida location Feb. 1 in St. Petersburg, according to a news release.

The eatery is opening at 2314 Tyrone Blvd. N. in the former Pollo Tropical outparcel near Tyrone Square Mall.

With its move into Florida, Torchy’s Tacos can now be found in 14 states and has plans to expand in the Sunshine State this year, including an Altamonte Springs restaurant opening in late spring. The brand launched in Austin in 2006

To celebrate its new St. Petersburg restaurant, Torchy’s will host a preview party on Monday, 5 to 8 p.m. The community is welcome to attend and enjoy complimentary tacos, queso, beer samples, beverages and more.

On grand opening day, the first 100 guests in line at 10 a.m. will receive a limited edition t-shirt. Those who receive a t-shirt, every time they wear it to the Tyrone-area Torchy’s, will receive a free green chile queso for a year.

“Torchy’s is focusing on building out our east coast presence and Florida really hit the mark for us in terms of its incredible growth, passionate food scene and laid-back culture,” Mike Rypka, founder and CEO, said. “We’ve been wanting to come to the Sunshine State for a while now and are pumped to finally be opening our St. Petersburg location. Come check us out at our preview party, and definitely make sure you’re there on opening day to score some free queso!”

Kissin’ Cuzzins Sold to Longtime Employee

The sale of Kissin’ Cuzzins, an iconic St. Petersburg eatery that hit the market last year, to an employee is pending.

The restaurant’s owner, Gerry Rice, told St. Pete Rising that he’s agreed to sell it to his longtime manager, Rick Campbell.

Because Campbell didn’t have the funds to purchase both the property and business for the listed $2.49 million, he’ll buy only the restaurant, while Rice retains ownership of the land.

Kissin’ Cuzzins at 951 34th Street N. was listed by Coldwell Banker Realty in July.

The restaurant has been owned by the same owners — the Rice family — since it was built. It celebrated its grand opening in 1961, the listing reads.

Rice, son of Kissin’ Cuzzins’ founder, has worked in the family business for more than 50 years and is about to retire.

The asking price includes the land, 34,000-square-foot building, business, all commercial kitchen equipment, security system, furniture and fixtures, according to the listing.

Melting Pot to Reopen on Central Avenue

After more than 30 years in business, The Melting Pot closed its 4th Street location in 2020. Now, the fondue restaurant will reopen in a 4,900-square-foot space at 695 Central Avenue, according to St. Pete Catalyst.

The space is in a 16,000-square-foot building on the corner of Central Avenue and 7th Street, which is being renovated by the property’s owner, Paradise Ventures.

With more work planned at the property, The Melting Pot will likely open late this year or early next year.

Inaugural Sunshine City Smokeout Planned

The inaugural Sunshine City Smokeout will take place Feb. 11, noon to 9 p.m., at Spa Beach Park on the St. Pete Pier.

Local, regional and national barbecue teams will compete for best food items — from pulled pork, ribs and sausages to sauces.

The event will feature a lineup of country music and southern rock.

Advanced tickets can be bought here.