Many in the Sunshine City are already familiar with Dan Schmidt. He’s been a part of both the Banyan Cafe family and the Independent Bar for years. Soon he’s launching his own concept at 689 Dr. MLK Jr. Street North in the original Banyan Cafe space.

Uptown Eats is in good company. It’s situated next to MIZE Gallery, which continues to host some of the most engaging exhibitions in the ‘Burg, Barkett Realty, and Gypsy Souls Coffee House.

https://www.facebook.com/uptowneatsstpete/posts/116312696659619?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARCZafc_olf7pcFzG5Z0XOZP7OOyx0qqKabvSkrpXo00RcEpBiDmsTVoj6Asr1mYdV4zDpwaV56WhND3vIRhZxt1ZAsc8E2I2QwjnP-MlxTPw8-UbRqIv8Ybkexc-2c2Bq5JyT6h6dEZ0q2NeQMJ-GyPC4dmp8YCBCCR0_OnOJkd6fXZxGG53eDx-CLXcVhj_9SjwQ0j2PWNaxi4FmKR6a9sTW3ckYaUFlOKKHJSbDkVOFffty3TZUyCdBRia1I8on7iRbS9xk5FqMg1mKO0Ixk4TuotSpLDoUEfogTPmjQ_LlGHJtyr9tiLt7pXWekuUYIc3R5Zw6lJ9HY9z6YuSlNlecFRmz2_8zIc5sOkGWe4FaD65Wiv6GtigXtjDsUdG1PslK_CxK6Kb7yA7Bj6aA53bKx9Pg8zcL8bP0UHIfSp&__tn__=-R

More details to come, but we imagine anything that Dan Schmidt is behind is going to be excellent, especially in a surging area like Historic Uptown. Follow the business on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

This follows more major food announcements. The Merchant is expanding on the 600 Block, and adding a wine, cheese and chocolate bar to the Crislip Arcade.

New spice and tea shop is also set to debut at the Sundial St. Pete, in addition to a new food hall and co-work space debuting at the downtown mall.

https://www.facebook.com/uptowneatsstpete/posts/107867580837464?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDt7-ERGZ3MpCCddWr3cnoQA0X9F22vq_Spzq6RueSCg9Il5T8PSnWTTnG1m8Lnbihm-1H19E2bsjWm9UR9Q0nTDOppxuMBae_MSQ-xdPRyOMT66WmBniZRHlHab5XMBEwR-iuipJKHfnreo0I7OI19L3ktghqcwzu-HjXdebBpOkIevL2VwhcLe0M2swvb5_kHsPq-9X3A2l6Z23y9hjqQ6SS-RnVd2ejuzc8bWxlak-AvpCxMRg7dq0DElxS-yrzHtqmpxr4J0l1WC-mStrEyY3EwlVIPSGXOB2v5FkCxtmIcuc-ovS-Jay8YNA2YT8xK8Ni5A2ON7re1TGfbP-8&__tn__=-R

Those who love grilled cheese will be pleased to see that famed Chef Robert Hesse, who is also helping to open Social Roost downtown, is set to launch his own Twisted Melt restaurant on St. Pete Beach this spring.