Internationally acclaimed chef and TV personality Geoffrey Zakarian is opening his first new restaurant in nearly a decade right here in St. Petersburg, Florida. Ellison Development announced today that Zakarian will lead the flagship dining concept at Central Hotel, part of The Central, a transformative mixed-use destination set to redefine the EDGE District. If you’re looking for the most exciting new restaurants St. Pete has to offer, this should be high on your list.
Chef Geoffrey Zakarian is a household name for fans of the Food Network. He’s starred on Chopped, co-hosted the Emmy-nominated The Kitchen, and earned the title of Iron Chef on Iron Chef America. For more than 25 years, he’s guided some of the country’s top kitchens with his signature modern American cuisine. Now, he’s bringing that expertise to the Sunshine City.
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Geoffrey Zakarian opening new restaurant in St. Pete
The new full-service restaurant will anchor Central Hotel, Autograph Collection, and serve as the heart of The Central alongside the connected Halcyon Workspace office tower. Zakarian’s culinary program will draw inspiration from St. Pete’s unique character, blending local flavors with the sophistication that has defined his career.
In addition to the flagship restaurant, Zakarian Hospitality will manage all food, beverage, and hospitality services at The Central. That means everything from a rooftop pool bar and jazz lounge to banquets, catering, and curated culinary experiences for hotel guests and office tenants. With Halcyon directly linked to the hotel, tenants will also enjoy on-demand meeting and conference spaces paired with seamless hospitality.
“St. Petersburg is a city brimming with energy and creativity, and we are thrilled to create a dining experience that captures that spirit,” said Geoffrey Zakarian. “Being able to bring our culinary leadership not only to the hotel restaurant, but also to the hotel’s events and Halcyon’s office tenants, is a truly unique opportunity. We look forward to building something world-class that both the community and visitors will love.”
Highlights the city’s growth as a culinary destination
Casey Ellison, CEO of Ellison Development, called the partnership a defining moment for the project. “Bringing in Geoffrey Zakarian for his first new restaurant in nearly a decade is a perfect example of our commitment to quality,” he said.
St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch added that Zakarian’s decision highlights the city’s growing national reputation. “This restaurant at The Central will be a remarkable addition that reflects our city’s momentum for both residents and visitors alike.”
The Central will also introduce St. Pete’s newest Autograph Collection hotel, joining a select group of unique, design-forward properties across the globe. Currently, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is the only Autograph Collection property in St. Pete. Others in the region include Fenway Hotel in Dunedin, Epicurean Hotel in Tampa, and Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota.
Construction on Halcyon Workspace is expected to begin later this year, with Central Hotel set to break ground in early 2026. When complete, the project will bring elevated dining, hospitality, and office experiences to the EDGE District, positioning St. Pete as a culinary destination on the global stage.
