The Pesky Pelican Brew Pub, a cherished “old school Florida” restaurant and brewery in St. Petersburg, has unfortunately closed its doors and filed for bankruptcy amidst a staggering $540,000 debt. This closure marks the loss of one of Florida’s beloved establishments that catered to those who appreciated a laid-back atmosphere and comfort food in a family-friendly environment.
Pesky Pelican Brew Pub was known for its unique St. Louis-style cuisine and was operated by owner Dan Pemberton and his daughter, Danielle. The pub was celebrated for its bar fare, especially its thin-crust pizza with Provel cheese and toasted ravioli, earning high praise from its patrons. It was particularly appreciated by transplants from St. Louis, as evidenced by a review from Dani, who found a taste of home in Florida through the restaurant’s traditional St. Louis pizza.
Unfortunately, the pandemic brought significant financial challenges to the Pesky Pelican Brew Pub. Reports from Creative Loafing and St. Pete Catalyst reveal that the restaurant incurred a substantial debt of $540,000 to the Small Business Administration (SBA) due to Economic Injury Disaster loans taken during the pandemic. The financial strain was compounded by the closure of a second business run by Pemberton, a banquet venue, which saw a drop in business and failed to generate sufficient revenue to offset the debts.