Tony Graziano is a proud “1990s kid.” In a world where nostalgia is becoming a trend, it only made sense to reflect on his upbringing.
Graziano and partners John Huffington, Mike Jennings and Benny Hatfield held a grand opening for Rewind St. Pete on Aug. 1. The bar and restaurant, at 119 First Ave. N., pays homage to the culture and entertainment of the era.
“I think everybody in the world needs some ’90s and 2000s right now,” Grazino said. “I wanted something different that really resonates with people from many different generations.”
He explained that the goal was to bring customers “back to their childhood bedrooms.”
The approximately 2,500-square-foot establishment features artwork inspired by characters from television shows, movies, video games and commercials. Customers can spot references to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sonic the Hedgehog, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, CatDog and the Hamburglar (McDonald’s), among others.
Baltimore-based muralist Danny “D Lord” Lorden, a friend of Huffington’s, and his team created the art. Lorden is the art director of the Graffiti Mansion in Las Vegas, a private estate and rental venue that has been transformed by murals.
Additionally, the establishment will feature 1990s and 2000s music. Graziano curated part of the playlist. Huffington added that even the menu is “Blockbuster-themed.” Guests will also see roller rink-inspired carpet.
Graziano and his partners began working on the effort about four to five months ago. The space was previously home to the Who’s On First? sports bar, which was co-owned by Jennings.
Huffington and Graziano are based in Baltimore. The two men not only previously worked together but also, at one point, lived in the same apartment building. Eventually, they began to have discussions about opening a bar together.
A friendship with Jennings led to an opportunity in St. Petersburg that Huffington and Graziano could not refuse. Huffington learned that Jennings and his partners were potentially interested in selling Who’s on First?.
“We had discussed that we wanted to come and do something in St. Pete just because we had the community and network already in place,” Huffington explained. “Location-wise, it’s perfect. It’s adjacent to the other bars that Mike already owns, Dublin Drop and There Goes the Neighborhood. Our kitchen supplies food to both of those.”
He added that including local partners in the ownership group was essential because it ensured the “correct team” would be in place to manage Rewind St. Pete.
One of the key challenges was preparing the space for an early August opening, Graziano said. The Rewind St. Pete team took over the Who’s On First? establishment in June. After the Fourth of July, they closed the bar and began transforming it.
This article published in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com.