King State: Transitioning from Coffee to Cocktails in St. Petersburg
King State, a well-known coffee shop, restaurant, and bar in Tampa, recently closed its St. Petersburg location after a brief stint. However, the owners have unveiled plans for a new direction.
For almost five years, King State has been a favorite destination for coffee enthusiasts and beer aficionados in Tampa. Unfortunately, their expansion into St. Petersburg, located in the COhatch building, shuttered after only about three and a half months.
Announcing the closure on their St. Pete Instagram page with a succinct “BRB” (be right back) post, King State left many wondering about the fate of the establishment. Subsequently, all content disappeared from the social media account.
The Tampa Bay Times sought clarification from one of the co-owners regarding the closure and the future plans for King State St. Pete. According to co-owner Tim McTague, if the St. Petersburg location does reopen, it will transform into a late-night bar and eatery catering to an evening crowd and hosting events.
McTague, along with his brother-in-law Nate Young, initiated the King State coffee brand a decade ago. Drawing inspiration from their experiences touring as musicians, they envisioned creating a spot reminiscent of the third-wave coffee shops they encountered in other cities.
The revamped St. Pete location aims to fill a gap in the local scene by offering exceptional food and drinks in a lively atmosphere. McTague envisions it as a destination where people can unwind after visiting nearby establishments like the Bends or catching a show at Jannus Live.
The journey to open King State St. Pete was lengthy, spanning nearly three years from conception to its soft opening in December. However, various setbacks, including construction delays due to the Floribraska Avenue Complete Streets Project, hindered its progress.
The closure of the original Tampa location further complicated matters, as road closures associated with the city’s infrastructure project misled patrons into assuming the business was also closed.
Despite these challenges, King State remains determined to redefine its presence in St. Petersburg. McTague expressed a desire for the establishment to embody a vibrant social hub, distinct from traditional bars and restaurants in the area.
As they navigate this transition, King State’s evolution reflects a commitment to adaptability and innovation in the dynamic hospitality industry.