Mutts & Martinis, Brick & Mortar, Pop Goes the Waffle: Restaurant News

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

Pop Goes the Waffle Closing in Gulfport

Pop Goes the Waffle announced on its Facebook page that it’s closing its brick-and-mortar eatery at 5004 Tangerine Ave. S. in Gulfport. Sunday will be its last day in business.

“This isn’t something I ever wanted to post here, but unfortunately, it’s time for the waffle cafe’s doors to close,” the owners wrote. “Economic impacts (cost of goods, inflation driving declining sales, etc.) beyond our control are the forces behind this difficult decision.”

The company will continue to operate its waffle truck and its wholesale division.

“It’s unfortunate, but we’ve just reached the tipping point where I can’t justify using the viable segments of the business to prop up the failing part,” the owners wrote. “I am heartbroken and feel like the biggest failure that ever was, but I will save that pity party for next week!”

Pop Goes the Waffle will be open Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving a made-to-order menu, waffle doughnuts and frozen take-and-toast waffle six packs.

Mutts & Martinis Breaks Coming Soon to Grand Central District

St. Petersburg’s first dog waterpark, Mutts & Martinis, is coming to the Grand Central District. It’s being built at 2900 Central Ave., the former home of King’s Transmission.

The project stems from Love My Dog Resort and Playground owner, Natalie Conner, St. Pete Rising reported. She hopes the venue will be open in time for spring break.

At more than 5,000 square feet, it will include a splash foundation, water sprays, a full liquor bar and 27 televisions.

Love My Dog also operates two upscale dog daycare and boarding facilities and a grooming boutique in St. Pete, I Love the Burg reported.

Pinellas TacoFest Planned

The second annual Pinellas TacoFest will take place Jan. 28-29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the England Brothers Bandshell, 5010 81st Ave. N., Pinellas Park.

Food vendors will compete for the title of Best Taco in Tampa Bay in a variety of categories – chicken, beef, pork, veggie and seafood.

The event is pet- and family-friendly, and admission and parking are free.

Sicilian-Style Restaurant Opening in Grand Central

A new Sicilian-style restaurant, Cala Italian Kitchen, is opening in the Grand Central District at 1949 1st Ave. S., I Love the Burg reported.

The eatery is owned by the management team behind Italy Bottega’s market and deli on Central Avenue in the Edge District.

Red’s BBQ Truck Reopens

As restaurateurs and brothers focused on the opening of their new Roam Steakhouse earlier this year, they shut down their food truck and catering business.

Now, Red’s BBQ truck, serving barbecue and Southern comfort food, has reopened and serves food Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to Creative Loafing.

Brick & Mortar Owner Opening New Restaurant

Jason Ruhe, the chef and co-owner of downtown St. Pete’s Brick & Mortar, is bringing a new restaurant to the Grand Central District, St. Pete Rising reported.

While the restaurant’s name hasn’t been revealed, Ruhe is joined by his brother, Dylan Ruhe, and their childhood friend on the project. His brother has spent more than 25 years in the restaurant business, including with two Michelin-starred restaurants – Nobu and SHO in New York City.

The menu will heavily feature Latin-style tapas.