When restaurant entrepreneur Stephen Schrutt was seeking a concept for his newest restaurant, No Vacancy, he found inspiration in the old motels that once lined Florida’s highways.
“It was a concept I wanted to do and felt like in downtown St. Pete it would do well,” said Schrutt, founder and CEO of Hunger Thirst Group, which also includes The Avenue, Park & Rec and Ballpark & Rec at Tropicana Field. “Everyone can relate to it in that it has that old Florida motel vibe of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s era of old motels on the side of the road or beachside. It has that very vibe without feeling too vintage.”
No Vacancy reopened about two months ago after being shut down for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic and patrons are coming back, many for the patio seating and Florida-inspired foods – from the very popular Cuban sandwiches and fish sandwiches to seafood-driven bites, “rum-forward” tropical cocktails and sharable punchbowls.
The 2,600 square-foot restaurant at 937 Central Ave. includes 1,400 square feet of outdoor seating, which is separated for safety. Masks are required.
“We are just getting back to being open and adding more days and times,” Schrutt said. “Right now, we are closed Mondays, then open at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and opening at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.”
The menu includes fun favorites such as FIYAHH Cracker Shrimp, the Lady’s Man grouper sandwich (grilled or blackened) and the Alligator Alley bites. Some of the most popular tropical cocktails include Peach Don’t Kill My Vibe, the frozen Pain Killer and the Mai Tai.
