A vibrant yet laid-back courtyard bar with seating for approximately 76 people is on tap for the Sundial retail complex in downtown St. Petersburg.
Paradise Ventures and Ally Capital Group, the plaza’s owners, unveiled plans for Drift in a recent court settlement. Florida 2005 Theaters LLC, an entity created by the global investment firm Carlyle Group, had sought to stop courtyard renovations and keep it from featuring a bar.
The LLC, which owns and operates the AMC Sundial 12, consented to plans for Drift as part of the settlement. Michael Connor, CEO of Paradise Ventures, pledged that it would be a “first-class” establishment.
“We made a commitment to make it an upscale bar,” Connor said. “I don’t want a bunch of drunk people in the courtyard of the Sundial. I want people who are having a good time and behaving themselves.”
Connor called Drift unique as it allows people to interact in an open, public setting while remaining on private property rather than a city sidewalk. While many restaurants and bars along nearby Beach Drive offer outdoor seating, patrons must share the space with a steady stream of pedestrians.
Drift will encompass approximately 1,500 square feet underneath the existing canopy and offer seating for 26 guests. Lounge areas around the structure will seat up to 50 people.
A June 11 letter from Connor to the Carlyle Group states that Drift will improve the courtyard’s “functionality and activity levels,” enhance the visitor experience and increase the Sundial’s “desirability, foot traffic and value.” He believes the bar is “entirely consistent” with the lawsuit-delayed renovation project’s focus – to cement the plaza’s standing as a “first-class retail and entertainment complex.”
The letter notes that Drift will occupy an area of the courtyard that previously featured bars or restaurants with cocktail service. Connor wrote that construction and operations would not impede public access or future improvements to the theater.
Next Level Brands, which owns and operates successful Tampa restaurants Forbici Modern Italian, Union New American and Boulon Brasserie & Bakery, will design, construct and operate Drift as a separate entity. Restaurateur Jeff Gigante co-founded the hospitality group with Joseph Guggino, a former attorney turned investor, and Andrew Wright, founder and CEO of commercial real estate firm Franklin Street.
Gigante, raised in St. Petersburg, is transforming the 12,000-square-foot former Sea Salt space on the Sundial’s second level into a new Forbici location. The restaurant currently calls Tampa’s trendy Hyde Park area home.
“When we heard Sea Salt was looking not to renew, it just made perfect sense to us,” Gigante told the Catalyst in February. It’s a bigger space. It’s got that massive patio, and a big part of Forbici’s proposition is live music.”
Court documents note Drift – a name that “evokes a sense of the beach, the ocean and a relaxed, carefree vibe” – will feature live acoustic performances or “light DJ sounds.” Connor noted that Next Level Brands will release a menu, operating hours and other details closer to the opening date.
Patrons can order food from any restaurant in the courtyard, including the AMC if the theater’s owners participate in the program. Paradise Ventures agreed not to seek financial damages for litigation-induced construction delays as part of the settlement.
Documents state that Drift will foster a “lively community-driven atmosphere” for guests to gather and unwind. A series of limited-edition, collectible cocktail glasses designed by local artists will depict local landmarks, including the St. Pete Pier and Dali Museum.
Connor said the design process is already underway, and he will submit permitting applications within 30 days. “We think we can build it relatively quickly,” he added.
Connor said stakeholders are “trying really, really hard” to open Drift and the new Forbici simultaneously in time for the Christmas shopping season.
“I think it’s a unique place in downtown – I can’t think of any other place that has a big courtyard that’s open,” Connor said. “It’s going to be outdoors, but it will have TVs under a cover. I can’t think of anything on Beach Drive that has that.”
This content provided in partnership with StPeteCatalyst.com
