It was incorrectly reported in a local news outlet a couple of days ago that Buya Ramen was “to close permanently” because they “could not come to terms on a lease renewal”.
I spoke to the Owner/Founder of Buya, Michael Sponaugle, via telephone yesterday. They already have a new location in downtown St. Pete that cannot yet be revealed, but it is a high rise that is soon to open.
They are actually leaving their original spot at 911 Central Avenue on amicable terms with their landlord. The lease was to renew in January, but closing now gives Buya time to work on the new space sooner, and the landlord time to show the space to potential new tenants…