The Avenue DTSP has served some of the best burgers in the Sunshine City for 10 years. That’s right, this locally owned and operated business has been a part of the downtown St. Pete business boom for an entire decade —and that’s always worth celebrating.

The vision and growth comes from the one and only Stephen Schrutt. Schrutt began with just The Avenue. Since its inception, the owner has opened No Vacancy, a cocktail paradise in The EDGE District, in addition to Park & Rec, a giant playground for adults.

The Avenue sparked a small business renaissance in St. Pete

Park & Rec grew from just one location in downtown St. Pete into a new concept in Downtown Tampa, and an aspect of Tropicana Field. Each has enjoyed its own fair share of success and acclaim.

Hunger Thirst Group is proud to celebrate The Avenue 10 year anniversary party on Friday, Nov. 12 at its location in downtown St. Petersburg, 330 1st Ave. S.

The red carpet event starts at 8 p.m. and includes champagne toasts, passed hors d’Oeuvres, giveaways, a photo booth and music by Casey Stidham + DJ Tone. 

“Our biggest win is being here for 10 years,” says HTG Founder + CEO Stephen Schrutt. “We’ve seen the growth of DTSP and are proud to be part of it, and we’ve seen so many cool things happen here—whether it was the Rays going to the World Series last year or the Bucs winning a Super Bowl.”

10 years of culinary excellence in the ‘Burg

Schrutt opened The Avenue in 2011, his first-ever concept, which led the way for the growth of HTG with other concepts, including The Ave’s neighbor, Park & Rec DTSP, Park & Rec TPA, Ballpark & Rec (in partnership with the Tampa Bay Rays inside Tropicana field) and No Vacancy. 

“This is the OG, this really started it all,” says Schrutt. “The Avenue is all about getting to know the locals and being part of the community by creating a place that people feel welcomed all the time.”

As Schrutt reflects on the last decade, he takes pride in the community camaraderie that The Avenue has created, and a place where numerous employees and guests have met their significant others over the years, many who are now married and have children. 

Enjoy anniversary drink specials

“That’s something I’m really proud of, we’ve been able to connect good people together and make lifelong relationships. I believe we’re a staple in downtown St. Pete, I think we brought a lot of great times to this city and we’ll continue to do that.”

Anniversary drink specials include $5 Veuve Clicquot Bubbles and $7 Grey Goose, Patron + Bacardi. Tables with $150 bottles can be reserved by emailing mgmt@theavenuedtsp.com.