ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The revitalization of downtown St. Petersburg’s premier shopping and dining destination, Sundial, is set to reach a new milestone this month. Next Level Brands, the hospitality powerhouse behind some of Tampa Bay’s most celebrated culinary concepts, has announced the grand opening of Drift Bar. Scheduled to debut on Saturday, Nov. 28, the open-air cocktail lounge represents a strategic partnership between Next Level Brands’ co-founders and the ownership group behind the Sundial complex, Paradise Ventures and Ally Capital Group.
As the city’s downtown core continues its rapid evolution into a world-class urban center, Drift Bar arrives as a meticulously curated response to the demand for sophisticated yet relaxed outdoor social spaces.
Main Facts: A Coastal Oasis in the Urban Core
Drift Bar is positioned as an alfresco centerpiece for the Sundial courtyard, located at 155 Second Ave. N. The concept is the brainchild of Next Level Brands co-founders Jeff Gigante, Joseph Guggino, and Andrew Wright, who have collaborated with Michael Connor, President and CEO of Paradise Ventures. The venue is designed to bridge the gap between high-end mixology and the effortless, sun-drenched lifestyle synonymous with the Florida Gulf Coast.
Grand Opening Details
The public grand opening celebration is slated for Saturday, Nov. 28, beginning at 3 p.m. The event is designed to be a high-energy introduction to the space, featuring:
- Complimentary passed bites to showcase the new culinary menu.
- Live entertainment by local favorite DJ Fresh (Doug Hensel), starting at 6 p.m.
- Sports broadcasting, featuring the Tampa Bay Lightning’s road game against the Florida Panthers on a large-scale outdoor screen.
The bar will operate on a walk-in-only basis for regular service, though it is equipped to host private events. Its anticipated operating hours reflect the rhythmic pulse of downtown St. Pete: Monday through Thursday from 3 to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1 p.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 1 to 9 p.m.
Chronology: From Concept to Courtyard
The development of Drift Bar is not an isolated event but the latest chapter in a broader narrative of reinvestment into the Sundial complex.
- The Acquisition and Vision: Following the acquisition of Sundial by Ally Capital Group (led by Andrew Wright) and Paradise Ventures, a vision was established to transform the plaza from a traditional retail center into a lifestyle-centric "third place" for residents and visitors.
- The Forbici Foundation: Earlier this year, Next Level Brands introduced Forbici Modern Italian to the Sundial footprint. The success of this anchor restaurant provided the momentum needed to reimagine the central pavilion—the open-air space that serves as the complex’s heartbeat.
- Development Phase: Under the leadership of Heather Rivas, Director of Operations for Next Level Brands, the concept for Drift Bar was forged. Rivas oversaw the project from its initial thematic sketches through the rigorous preparations required for a high-volume outdoor opening.
- Architectural Realization: The design firm Atelier Zébulon Perron (AZP) was commissioned to execute the aesthetic vision, drawing inspiration from the vintage glamour of Florida’s past while maintaining modern functionality.
- The Final Countdown: As of mid-November, the team has finalized the beverage and culinary programs, setting the stage for the November 28th unveiling.
Supporting Data: Design, Mixology, and Gastronomy
Drift Bar’s appeal lies in its "Drift in. Chill out" philosophy, but the execution of that laid-back vibe is underpinned by highly technical design and hospitality standards.
Architectural Aesthetic
Atelier Zébulon Perron has utilized the 150-seat space to create a visual dialogue with 1980s Miami Art Deco. The pavilion is framed by:
- Teal tiling and wave-shaped trim, evoking the movement of the nearby Tampa Bay waters.
- A 30-seat central bar, designed to be the focal point of the courtyard.
- 120 patio seats distributed across the front and courtyard areas, featuring striped lounge seating and tropical planters.
- Atmospheric Lighting: Scalloped umbrellas provide shade by day, while at night, the "DRIFT" sign casts a reddish-pink neon glow, complemented by warm canopy lighting.
The Beverage Program
Led by Bar Manager Alex Rosenbleeth, the drink menu prioritizes brightness and acidity, perfectly suited for the Florida humidity.
- The Pink Flamingo: A standout signature featuring Condesa Gin, lychee, lemon, and grapefruit soda.
- The Drift Sour: A complex blend of Sarti, Dutch Barn Vodka, guava, lemon, and lime.
The program focuses on tropical fruits and sparkling finishes, ensuring the offerings remain "refreshing" rather than heavy.
Culinary Offerings
Director of Culinary Chef Jacob Rios has moved away from standard "pub grub" in favor of elevated coastal fare. The menu is designed for sharing, featuring:
- Smoked Fish Dip: A regional staple reimagined with premium ingredients.
- Sliders and Wings: Classic bar favorites prepared with artisanal techniques.
- Happy Hour: Daily from 3 to 6 p.m., the bar will offer featured drinks and shareable bites at accessible price points.
Official Responses: Reanimating the Sundial
The leadership behind the project views Drift Bar as more than just a business venture; it is a piece of urban placemaking.
Jeff Gigante, Co-founder of Next Level Brands, emphasized the venue’s role in the local ecosystem. “Drift Bar brings the Sundial courtyard back to life with the easygoing feel of a beach bar, a curated cocktail list, and thoughtful small plates,” Gigante stated. “It’s where you meet before dinner, catch a game, or hear some live music. With the waterfront a short walk away and a breeze through the courtyard, it feels like St. Pete at its most relaxed.”
Michael Connor, President and CEO of Paradise Ventures, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project and its importance to the property’s future. “Next Level Brands has already established a presence at Sundial with Forbici, and Drift Bar gives us an opportunity to collaborate in a new way,” said Connor. “The pavilion has tremendous potential as a gathering place, and this partnership allows us to make better use of the outdoor space while adding another option for people visiting Sundial. We’re excited to see the property continue to be an active part of downtown St. Petersburg.”
Implications: The Evolution of Downtown Hospitality
The opening of Drift Bar carries significant implications for the St. Petersburg hospitality landscape and the future of the Sundial complex.
1. The Shift Toward "Experience-First" Retail
As traditional brick-and-mortar retail faces headwinds, developers are increasingly turning to food and beverage (F&B) to drive foot traffic. By placing a high-concept cocktail bar in the center of the Sundial courtyard, Paradise Ventures and Ally Capital Group are betting on the "experience economy." Drift Bar serves as a magnet that keeps shoppers on the property longer and attracts a nightlife demographic that might otherwise gravitate toward Beach Drive or Central Avenue.
2. The Synergy of Next Level Brands
Next Level Brands is rapidly becoming the dominant force in the Tampa Bay dining scene. By having both Forbici and Drift Bar in the same complex, the group creates a synergistic environment. Guests may have a drink at Drift Bar while waiting for a table at Forbici, or head to the bar for a post-dinner nightcap. This "cluster" strategy is a proven model for revitalizing urban shopping centers.
3. Strengthening the "Downtown Connection"
St. Petersburg’s downtown has long been divided into distinct pockets: the waterfront/Beach Drive area and the eclectic Central Avenue corridor. Sundial sits at a pivotal junction between these two zones. The introduction of an open-air, coastal-inspired bar reinforces the connection to the waterfront, which is just a short walk away, effectively pulling the "maritime vibe" further into the city’s grid.
4. A Benchmark for Outdoor Dining
In a post-pandemic world, the demand for high-quality outdoor dining and drinking spaces remains at an all-time high. Drift Bar’s 150-seat outdoor capacity sets a new benchmark for downtown St. Pete, proving that "outdoor" does not have to mean "casual" or "unrefined." The investment in high-end design (AZP) and a sophisticated cocktail program suggests that the developers see a long-term future in upscale alfresco hospitality.
As the "DRIFT" sign prepares to illuminate the Sundial courtyard on November 28th, it signals more than just the opening of a new bar. It represents the continued maturation of St. Petersburg as a city that values design, community, and the unique allure of the Florida lifestyle.
For more information, prospective guests are encouraged to visit driftbarstpete.com, follow @driftbarstpete on Instagram, or contact the venue directly at (727) 295-2192.
