A cherished community treasure is hopping back into action as Frog Pond reopens its third location on St. Pete Beach on July 1. The new spot, at 5200 Gulf Blvd., is nestled within Mad Fish and will serve its legendary breakfast and brunch from 7:30 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. daily. Afterward, Mad Fish takes over with dinner service from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Frog Pond has been a staple of the Tampa Bay area since it first opened in 1982, earning a reputation for hearty breakfasts, made-from-scratch dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for towering six- to eight-egg omelets, house-made jams and banana bread, the restaurant epitomizes quality and consistency.
“We call it ‘Cheers without the beer,’” said previous Frog Pond owner Brian Calkins. “Five generations of customers have come through our doors. It’s about creating a family atmosphere where people feel at home.” That commitment to community and quality is why Calkins and his business partner, David Hiterman, are entrusting the St. Pete Beach location to Raymond Bourque, who reopened the downtown St. Pete location in April 2022.
Frog Pond customer turned owner
Bourque, a chemist by training, fell in love with Frog Pond as a customer before deciding to buy the business. “There’s a story about someone who liked the shoes so much he bought the store—that’s what happened to me,” he said. Bourque has focused on maintaining the integrity of the restaurant’s recipes while making subtle improvements, ensuring every dish—from the buttery hollandaise to the crispy home fries—is just right…