Uptown Snoballs, Punky’s, Baum Ave. Market, Meanchi’s: Restaurant News

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

Uptown Snoballs Closing on 4th Street

Uptown Snoballs will close its doors for good on 4th Street in St. Petersburg. Its final day in business will be Aug. 27, the shaved ice, ice cream and hand-crafted popsicle shop shared on its Facebook page.

“As summer winds down and the snoballs are at their peak season of sweetness, Uptown Snoballs has decided to close its sole location,” the eatery’s owners wrote in a post.

They also teased that they might not be done for good, writing, “Consider this a pause as we contemplate our next move. Stay tuned.”

Punky's Bar & Grill Sold In St. Pete, Sports Bar Moving In

For nearly seven years, Punky's Bar & Grill has served as an integral part of St. Petersburg's LGBTQ+ community.

Now, the restaurant, which opened Dec. 15, 2015, has closed its doors abruptly, announcing its closure last week.

While the owners didn't share on social media what's in store for the soon-to-be-empty space, an employee said that staff were told that an offer was accepted on the business.

An employee told Patch that the new owners plan to open a sports bar with a full liquor license and food.

Peruvian-Inspired Food Trailer Opens in Grand Central District

Meanchi’s Peruvian Inspired Sandwiches held the grand opening of its food truck Saturday at Par Bar in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. The eatery serves sandwiches and bowls.

“All of our food is inspired by Peruvian flavors. Some are presented more traditional than others, but we aim to give you all a taste of Peru in way that is a bit more familiar and comfortable,” the owners wrote in a Facebook post. “Hence, our Peruvian inspired Cuban, which is a favorite for many!!!”

Their menu is available through online ordering and UberEats.

The space at Par Bar was previously occupied by Shiso Crispy, which moved its trailer that was parked there to HOB Brewing Company in Dunedin, according to I Love the Burg. Shiso Crispy moved its second food truck from Magnanimous Brewing in Tampa to Ma and M Video Games in Pinellas Park.

Upscale Vegan Restaurant to Open Later This Month

Good Intentions, an upscale vegan restaurant with a cocktail lounge, plans to open at 1900 1st Ave. South later this month, according to I Love the Burg.

The restaurant is a joint endeavor from local vegan heavy hitters Nah Dogs, Golden Dinosaurs and Black Radish Vegan Grocery Store.

Owners are currently hiring kitchen staff, the eatery shared on Instagram.

Boutique Hotel with Multiple Food, Beverage Outlets Opening In Edge District

A new boutique hotel planned for the Edge District will be developed at the Baum Avenue Market space at 1113 Central Ave, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Jonathan Daou, the co-founder and president of Eastman Equity, which owns the property, told the Times that the hotel concept will include several food and beverage outlets.

He said the plans for the site are with the city and awaiting approval.