Construction To Begin On New Food Hall At Sundial St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Just two years after the successful launch of the Heights Public Market at Armature Works in Tampa, the visionaries and developers behind the award-winning project are re-imagining more than 25,000 square feet of commercial space at Sundial shopping mall in St. Petersburg.

St. Pete foodies can look forward to a new food hall concept at Sundial St. Pete opening in the last quarter of 2020.

“We are very excited to extend our brand across the bay and into downtown St. Petersburg,” said Chas Bruck, co-owner of Armature Works and BE-1 Concepts. “While we have an ambitious timeline for completion, we look forward to launching this unique food hall experience for the entire community to enjoy.”

The food hall will encompass existing spaces including the areas occupied by Locale Market, Jackie Z Style Co., Wellness Center at Sundial, D-Gallerie Fine Arts and additional vacant spaces on the lower level. In addition, the space occupied by FarmTable Cucina on the second level will be part of the project.

Jackie Z. Style Co. is relocating to a larger space on the east side of Sundial this month.

“When I first developed Sundial, I intended it to be a catalyst for growth in downtown St. Pete. Chas and his team created Armature Works to do the same thing for Tampa. I know that in joining forces we will create an incredible gathering place for residents and visitors alike,” said Bill Edwards, CEO for The Edwards Group, owners of Sundial. “We are confident this will further elevate Sundial as a destination beyond St. Petersburg.

“The last five years has been an incredible experience, and we feel honored to have helped shape the food culture in St. Petersburg,” said Michael Mina, chef/founder of Mina Group, who closed Locale Market Jan 3. “With so many other projects and opportunities in front of me, I felt now was the right time to pass the torch. I am beyond excited to see what Chas and his team have cooked up for this community.”

Sundial opened in May 2014 at 153 2nd Ave. N. in downtown St. Petersburg. The plaza’s centerpiece is a nearly three-story working sundial and fountain designed by Emmy Award-winning production designer René Lagler. In addition to the sundial, the plaza features bronze dolphins created by St. Petersburg-based artist Mark Aeling.

Tampa-based restaurant company BE-1 Concepts currently operates 14 restaurants including four Boca Kitchens (Tampa, Brandon, Sarasota and Winter Park), Atlantic Beer & Oyster (Winter Park), Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club, Park Social, (Winter Park) and Sea Critters Café (St. Pete).

In addition, BE-1 Concepts has six signature restaurants and bars at Armature Works - Steelbach, BAR at Armature Works, Butcher N Barbeque, M. Bird, Cress and Stones Throw.