Bob’s Side Piece Opening Soon In St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — a new old-school Italian pizzeria and bar from Dead Bob’s owner Ben Scherlis and Delosa’s Pizza owner Jim Breveale, is targeting an early February opening at 6716 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33707, Scherlis told Business Debut. The project brings together two longtime friends and operators who have worked in the local hospitality scene for decades.

Business Debut learned of this story first from St. Pete Rising.

What to Expect

Bob’s Side Piece will be a full-service, casual neighborhood spot with table service, bar service and outdoor seating. Inside, the space will seat roughly 50 to 60 guests, including barstools at a full bar pouring beer, wine and spirits.

The team also plans to offer delivery, giving nearby residents another option for pizza and Italian favorites without leaving home.

Menu and Vision

Scherlis and Breveale are centering the menu on classic Italian pies and subs inspired by the food they grew up with in South Jersey and the Philadelphia area. Expect traditional round pies alongside specialty pizzas they are still finalizing, including one combination featuring mozzarella, black truffles, mushrooms and additional toppings they are testing. They are also considering a cheesesteak pie.

In addition to a regular lineup of pies, the partners plan a pizza of the month, taking a page from the long-running burger-of-the-month program at Dead Bob’s. On the sandwich side, guests can look for a chicken cutlet sandwich with roasted red peppers, sharp provolone and pesto, plus a roast pork Italiano with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, along with other old-school Italian subs.

Wings will be baked rather than fried, and the menu will feature garlic knots made with Delosa’s well-known recipe. “Everything’s going to be a scratch menu,” Breveale told Business Debut, noting that they plan to make and sell everything in-house, from pasta e fagioli based on his father’s recipe to items like pepperoni dips and deviled eggs.

The name ties the concept back to both existing brands: the original Dead Bob’s location and Delosa’s Pizza. Scherlis and Breveale describe Bob’s Side Piece as a playful “side piece of pie” that lets them lean into pizza and subs without competing with Dead Bob’s core menu.

Scherlis and Breveale are also bringing in the next generation as part-owners: Joe Breveale and Martin McTague. “We’re giving them the opportunity the way we got ours, just passing it down,” Breveale told Business Debut.

Opening Timeline

The team is targeting an early February opening, with the space already under construction and build-out underway. If timelines hold, Bob’s Side Piece aims to welcome guests in time for late winter.

Hours

Bob’s Side Piece is tentatively planning to open seven days a week. Current plans call for hours of 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. — 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with delivery available from 4 p.m. to close daily.

Follow for More

Their online presence is to be announced.

Are you a restaurant vendor? Join our referral network and reach more interested prospects.