Retro-Themed Bar, Restaurant To Close In Grand Central District

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Neon Lunchbox, a retro-themed bar and restaurant in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District is closing its doors after more than two years in business.

The venue, which opened in the former Hideaway Cafe location, announced its closure on Tuesday in a social media post, saying Aug. 29, will be its “only and final day of operation.”

“After years of love, hard work, long nights, incredible memories, and more lessons than I can count, The Neon Lunchbox is closing its doors,” the owners said in their post.

The owners cited rising costs, building maintenance issues, personal health challenges and a difficult economy among the factors that made it increasingly difficult to sustain and grow a small, independent business.

From the beginning, the goal was to create “a place for locals, by locals,” the owners said. “A space for community, for artists, for music, for comedy and connection."

The owners said they were proud of what the Neon Lunchbox became, pointing to the events, performers, celebrations, friendships and memories created at the business.

“The Neon Lunchbox may not have lasted as long as I once imagined, but that does not make what it became any less meaningful,” the announcement said. “Because success isn’t always measured in time. Sometimes it’s measured in impact. And by that measure, the Neon Lunchbox will always be a success.”

The Neon Lunchbox will hold one final day of operation Aug. 29. More details about this final event will be announced

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