One of St. Pete’s most booming districts is getting a new restaurant next summer. A release today announced the upcoming opening of Cheeky’s at 2823 Central Avenue, a restaurant focused on seafood, fried chicken, and welcoming vibes.

Tampa Bay local Nate Siegel, co-founder of Willa’s and Willa’s Provisions in Tampa, is leading the new concept, and it’s his longtime nickname from which the restaurant derives its name. Cheeky’s says to expect an experience that combines a New England oyster bar with a fried chicken shack in the “open and breezy” casual space.

Cheeky’s will serve fresh seafood, including East Coast oysters, shrimp, fish and daily specials from local waters and the Gulf, as well as “piping hot” bowls of chowder, fried chicken, salads and more. The restaurant is aiming for a summer 2024 opening.

The restaurant will be housed in a portion of the space that was for years home to China Finders, and will include an expansive patio for al fresco dining, as well a horseshoe bar inside. The property is owned by local real estate investor and developer Rahul Gupta who enjoys working with creative entrepreneurs like Siegel to help them develop the ideal space for their business concepts.

In addition to the raw bar, seafood, and fried chicken, the bar menu will showcase “fun frozen and classic cocktails, local ice-cold beers, a tight list of approachable natural wines by the glass and bottle and refreshing spirit-free beverages.”

One of the primary goals for Siegel is to make sure Cheeky’s is a true neighborhood bar, with price points that make it easy for those nearby to visit often. It will be a family-friendly and dog-friendly restaurant, with plans to serve both lunch and dinner, and an emphasis on warm and friendly service. There will be regular live music, as well as happy hours.

Stay tuned for more updates on Cheeky’s as the restaurant approaches its opening.