Tulum-inspired bar and restaurant coming to downtown St. Pete's historic Kress building
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Sep 15, 2023

A two-story, Tulum-inspired bar and restaurant will open in downtown St. Petersburg’s historic Kress building.

Concrete Jungle, a new concept from St. Pete restaurateur Stephen Schrutt’s Hunger Thirst Group, is taking over the 6,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Iberian Rooster, HTG said Friday.

The concept has been in development for two years. The food and beverage menus focus on “lighter and healthier items, including jackfruit flautas, charred watermelon, wood-fired catch of the day, and dishes inspired by Tulum and the Yucatán Peninsula,” HTG said Friday.

Schrutt told the Tampa Bay Business Journal on Friday that the restaurant will create 50 jobs, and he anticipates a mid-October opening. Between indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant’s total capacity is 150 guests. It will open weekdays at 11:30 a.m., serving lunch and dinner; weekend brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Schrutt said he is leasing the building. He declined to disclose the total investment in the space. Jason Gordon is the executive chef; Niall McCourt, beverage manager of Lost and Found St. Pete, curated the bar menus.

“I have always loved this historic building and space since the first time I saw it back in 2012,” Schrutt said in a statement. “The downstairs didn’t have bathrooms, and that was something I felt was really missing from the guest experience. I didn’t want them to have to go up and down the stairs all night to use the bathroom.”

HTG plans to hold a job fair once construction is construction is complete. Elvvang & Co. is overseeing construction, Schrutt said.

“It’s been a long process, but it’s been really cool to be able to bring my vision to life,” Schrutt said in a statement. “I think the two levels of the space really help bring the duality of the concept together. It’s a place that people can enjoy no matter the time of day.”

HTG’s other concepts include No Vacancy, The Avenue, Park and Rec, Good Fortune, Lost and Found, Dirty Laundry and the forthcoming bar Summer Camp.