The new-age diner is named after Schrutt’s English Bulldog, King. The mint green tile floors have remained untouched since the first original inhabited the storefront 50 years ago.
Local restaurateur behind the Avenue brings a new-age diner to St. Petersburg.
Artisan grilled cheese and gourmet hot dogs are the name of the game at Kings Street Food Counter.
The new St. Petersburg eatery is the brainchild of local restaurateur Stephen Schrutt, 37, who is also the owner of The Avenue, a restaurant known for its unique burger creations.
Kings opened in October at 937 Central Avenue and offers breakfast all day, hand-crafted milkshakes and poutine – in addition to the popular hot dogs and grilled cheese sandwiches.
The restaurant concept was developed in fall 2014 by Schrutt and chef Ryan Kelly. Also head chef at The Avenue, Kelly worked closely with Schrutt to create Kings’ contemporary, yet traditional menu.
“We’re working collaboratively to tailor the menu to our customers and what we’re evolving into,” said Kings General Manager, Pete Boland.
According to Boland, though the restaurant’s renovation was substantial, one feature dating back to the diner’s 1960s decor was left untouched.
“The only thing that remains is the mint green tile floor, which inspired the color scheme for the restaurant,” he said.
Kings Street Food Counter, in addition to their trademark grilled cheese and hot dogs, offers breakfast all day, milkshakes and poutine.
The mint green walls adorned with “retro” font and pop art and traditional lunch counter give the space a classic, diner-style atmosphere.
Only a few blocks from Tropicana Field, Schrutt hopes to make Kings the go-to pre and post-game spot for Rays fans.
“Being this close to the field, we really want to be the place baseball fans stop for a hot dog and a beer before and after the game,” Boland said.
The space also includes a beer garden, which was a major selling point for Schrutt, who wanted to create a fun, outdoor atmosphere for guests to socialize. The area features a bar, televisions, benches and communal tables.
Schrutt and Boland are entertaining the idea of hosting a monthly “yappy hour” in the outdoor space, which will allow customers to bring their dogs along. The duo has also considered a monthly pet adoption event to coincide with yappy hour, but nothing is set in stone just yet.
A majority of the bar’s tap handles bare the names of local breweries, such as Green Bench, Cigar City and 3 Daughters, to name a few. This is no coincidence, as Schrutt is a major fan of the “locals only” feel that St. Petersburg has become known for.
In addition, Schrutt hopes to open his newest eatery, Proper, in early 2016. Located next door to The Avenue, the spot will offer craft cocktails and authentic southern barbecue in a high-end atmosphere.
According to Boland, Schrutt also sees the possibility of opening a second Kings location within the next few years. For now, they are working to collaborate with other local business and breweries, reach out to the community and make Kings a must-visit St. Petersburg destination.
