As the long-awaited Forbici Modern Italian expansion to St. Petersburg approaches, the beloved Italian restaurant is not the only project Next Level Brands has in the works at the Sundial, the shopping, dining, and entertainment complex at 153 Second Ave N. Submitted plan review documents show Drift Bar, a new bar opening at the Sundial, moving forward as well.
Actually, word about Drift Bar first got out last summer. It will serve as the Sundial’s courtyard bar, headed up by the team behind Forbici Modern Italian, and, as Michael Connor, the CEO of Paradise Ventures, part owners of the plaza, said in coverage by St. Pete Catalyst, it’s going to be a “‘first-class’ establishment.”
The project had been somewhat delayed by a lawsuit brough by Florida 2005 Theaters LLC to prevent the courtyard project from including a bar. The resolution of the dispute seems to be taking it in a direction that will be agreeable to all: a classy, upscale establishment that suits the Sundial’s environment.
The newly submitted plan review documents would seem to indicate the project is now going forward.
Details on the opening timeline do not yet appear to be available, although, as of What Now’s reporting back in January, the opening for Forbici Modern Italian was set for late April.
What Now reached out Jeff Gigante, founder of Next Level Brands Hospitality, on Monday, to ask about plans for Drift Bar’s launch. Gigante was not immediately available for comment.
