News Summary
Pacific Counter, the popular fast-casual eatery known for its delicious poke bowls and sushi burritos, is expanding to St. Petersburg with a new location set to open by January 2025. This space, located at 210 37th Ave. N, will offer a cozy setting for diners to enjoy their favorite dishes. With a diverse menu catering to all tastes and plans for nationwide franchising in the future, Pacific Counter is poised to further enrich the local culinary scene.
Exciting News for St. Petersburg: Pacific Counter Set to Expand!
Hey there, St. Petersburg! If you’re a fan of poke bowls and sushi burritos, then we have some delightful news for you. Pacific Counter, the local fast-casual eatery that has already made quite a splash in our culinary scene, is gearing up to open a brand-new location right here in the Sunshine City by January 2025!
New Beginnings at a Prime Spot
The new restaurant will find its home at 210 37th Ave. N, stepping into the former space of Island Fin Poké in the Northeast Shopping Center. That’s a cozy 1,300 square feet where you can soon enjoy all your favorite Pacific Counter dishes. This opening marks an exciting new chapter for the restaurant, which has been winning hearts since it first fired up the grill at 660 Central Ave. almost seven years ago.
The Journey to Find the Perfect Location
The co-founder, Tanner Loebel, shared some behind-the-scenes scoop regarding the search for this new location. It hasn’t been easy, as suitable spaces along the busy Fourth Street corridor are often snatched up in the blink of an eye. But the wait looks like it will pay off, as Pacific Counter aims to serve up fresh, delicious meals to both loyal fans and newcomers alike.
Building a New Home
Locating this new spot has its perks too. Since they’ll be moving into a space already set up for a similar concept, the buildout process is expected to be smoother and more economical. That means more time and money saved, which can be redirected to keep their culinary creations top-notch. The whole team is buzzing with excitement as plans are underway to have this location ready to welcome guests by the end of January 2025.
A Menu That Welcomes All Tastes
For those who haven’t tried Pacific Counter yet, you’re in for a treat! Known for their poke bowls, sushi burritos, and a selection of boba tea, this establishment excels in fresh fast-casual offerings. From build-your-own bowls and burritos to pre-designed “Counter Creations,” there’s something for everyone, including vegan and gluten-free options. Most menu items are delightfully priced under $15, making it an affordable option for a delicious meal.
Expansion on the Horizon
Pacific Counter isn’t just stopping with this new St. Petersburg location. Their footprint has been growing quickly throughout the Tampa Bay area, with spots now in Lakewood Ranch, South Tampa, downtown Tampa, Sarasota, and more, leading to a total of eight locations! As if that wasn’t enough, there’s another restaurant slated to open in Apollo Beach this coming March.
Challenges on the Road
Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its hiccups. The restaurant has faced challenges from supply chain issues and inflation, but Loebel credits their success to maintaining high-quality ingredients and hands-on management. Recently, they’ve even operated at Tropicana Field, facing uncertainties stemming from Hurricane Milton. The storm caused a few hiccups in plans for the upcoming baseball season, but there’s still hope for future opportunities.
Looking Ahead
In an exciting move for 2025, the trio behind Pacific Counter plans to begin franchising nationwide. Imagine enjoying fresh Hawaiian-style dishes in cities far and wide! As things unfold, the local community can only anticipate the flavors and creativity that this beloved restaurant has to offer.
So mark your calendars, folks! With Pacific Counter set to expand, it’s only a matter of time before we can dig into some sizzling seafood and rice bowls in our very own neighborhood. Cheers to more delicious food adventures in St. Petersburg!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- St. Pete Rising
- Bradenton Herald
- SRQ Magazine
- Your Observer
- Wikipedia: Poke
- Google Search: Pacific Counter Restaurant
- Google Scholar: Pacific Counter St Petersburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast-Casual Restaurants
- Google News: Restaurant Openings St Petersburg
