There’s a hot new breakfast and lunch spot on Indian Rocks Beach, and it’s from the same team behind Grove Surf & Coffee (7370 Gulf Blvd). The aptly named Grove Cafe is officially open at 1309 Gulf Blvd. It’s currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 8am-3pm. The hours may expand in the coming months. Make sure to follow the cafe on Instagram for updates.

This will differ slightly from their more retail-centric hub off Corey Avenue. The restaurant will heavily emphasize its lunch and breakfast offerings, with the addition of beer, wine, and specialty drinks. Don’t worry, Grove will still have its stellar coffee program at the new cafe. Visitors will also find some brand-new Grove merch at the cafe.

Grove enjoys success, and an expansion after 4 years in business

Its debut is a full-circle moment for Grove owners Lindsey and Peter Gottschling. The new location is right next door Nekton Surf Shop, a business Peter managed for years.

“Peter was the manager for Nekton for over a decade,” says Lindsey Gottschling in an interview with I Love the Burg.

“Grove Surf & Coffee on St. Pete Beach was originally meant to be a pure surf shop,” adds Lindsey. They brought in coffee originally to serve as a compliment to the retail section. The coffee bar has exploded in popularity over the nearly 4 years the cafe has been open. Their love of retail is apparent in the Grove branded merch they sell. I have three different dyed Grove tees at home, it’s on the verge of becoming a proper collection.

One of the top surf shops on the beach

“The merch is really Peter’s claim to fame,” adds Lindsey. Peter spent an arduous amount of time perfecting the branding, and fun designs ahead of Grove’s debut back in 2020. Lindsey’s claim to fame, in her words, is the toasted coconut latte. This drink is just one of the many signature craft brews that have helped the beachside coffee bar succeed.

“We just recently reconfigured the St. Pete Beach location because the demand for our coffee has gotten so high,” adds Lindsey.

The new Grove Cafe is all about delivering those clutch, tasty beach eats. It spans 1,800-square-foot inside with a 400-square-foot patio. They have a new in-house pastry chef, and a selection of enticing sandwiches and toasts.

A sensational new cafe on Indian Rocks Beach

A few of the main rippers include:

• Beet Sandwich: toasted ciabatta, roasted beets, mixed greens, golden raisin puree, pistachio, goat cheese, housemade pesto
• Hash Brown Bowl: soft scrambled eggs, crispy hashbrowns, bacon or avocado, tomato, pickled red onion, sourdough toast
• Avocado Toast: local sourdough, guacamole, radish, pickled red onion, corn nuts, feta, tajin
• Yogurt Parfait: greek yogurt, banana, almond butter, housemade granola, seasonal jam, toasted coconut
• Chicken Caesar Wrap: grilled chicken breast, romaine, parmesan, housemade croutons, housemade dressing

Vegan and gluten-free options/substitutions may be available, make sure to ask the team in-house when you’re ordering. For the kiddos (and for adults who love the awesome handheld snacks) Grove Surf Cafe will also have Uncrustables.

Why supporting local matters

Both the coffee and surf shop and cafe are pure labors of love. “We opened back in 2020 and got through the pandemic,” says Lindsey. “If we can do that, then we can do anything.”

The owners note that they enjoy a great group of regulars who have supported their shop since day 1, but they’re also meeting tourists from around the world weekly.

“We want to have something for everybody – and to have something for those visiting that they can take home,” says Lindsey.