Dirty Shirley on 201 2nd Ave. N across from Sundial St. Pete has sold. The deal was brokered by Chris DiNeno, Broker/Owner of Main Street & Main and EnterDine.com.

Chris DiNeno, Founder and Operating Principal at Main Street & Main, posted the news on Facebook. “Congratulations to the buyers, Christophe Guillot and Philippe Challeau, owner/operators of the popular Bacchus Wine Bistro at 124 2nd Ave NE,” wrote DiNeno.

A taste of Paris in the ‘Burg

The celebrated Bacchus owners will open a new concept called Cognac in the sprawling space. “Congratulations also to the sellers, Renaud Cowez, Raphael Perrier and Jeremy Duclut,” added DiNeno.

Philippe Challeau describes cognac as a laid back Parisian bistro with ample indoor/outdoor seating. Beloved Executive Chef Louis DeBiase will take the helm in the kitchen. Diners can expect a radical expansion of dishes they may have previously enjoyed at Bacchus.

“Chef Louis DeBiase is a huge part of the Bacchus team, and now he’ll have even more room to create at Cognac,” said Challeau.

While the official menu is still TBD, proposed items include French quiche, escargot, croque monsieur, and steak frites. Unlike Bacchus, Cognac will have a full bar. A full cocktail program is currently in development.

A space for French brunch in downtown St. Pete

The Bacchus team had actively been looking to expand, and when the opportunity to take over the former Dirty Shirley space opened up, they seized the opportunity.

“The space has everything we need,” said Challeau in an interview with I Love the ‘Burg. “It has a big kitchen, a lot of open space, and a great vibe.”

The owners are now actively working to redecorate the space, give it a deep clean and get it ready for a hopeful fall 2024 debut.

Brunch every day at Cognac

There will be a heavy emphasis on French wines, here, but it will offer different varieties than those guests have experience at Bacchus.

Once open, Cognac will offer brunch 7 days a week, and will keep consistent lunch and dinner hours. Due to the size of Bacchus, the owners haven’t been able to accommodate large private groups in the space. With Cognac, the team hopes to build out a private party room that could fit up to 50 guests.

“Overall we’re trying to make something simple, traditional, and affordable in St. Pete,” added Challeau. “We want this space to have that easy going vibe – and anything you might find at a bistro in Paris, you’ll ultimately find here.”

Former Dirty Shirley owner Renaud Cowez isn’t slowing down either. He just recently celebrated the debut of Little Philly, a new cheesesteak hub in the Grand Central District, and Raphael Perrier just opened the newest Kahwa Drive-thru on 4th Street North in St. Pete.