In a twist that’s sure to delight St. Pete foodies, local bagel buff Steven Peterman is rolling out a new recipe for success. The owner of Pete’s Bagels is set to open Seymour’s, a fresh cafe concept in the heart of downtown, inside the historic Snell Arcade.
A Nosh Above the Rest
Seymour’s isn’t your average Joe’s coffee shop. Peterman’s brewing up something special, promising “a more diverse cafe experience” that goes beyond the traditional bagel shop format. Diners can expect dishes with Jewish influences, including matzo ball soup, fish salad and open-face lox sandwiches. The cafe will also offer quiches, pies by the slice and an extensive pastry case.
“A lot of it is a nod to my New Jersey roots,” Peterman added. “I’m also Jewish, so we’ll have some fish salad, tuna salad, chicken salad [and] rye bread sandwiches. We have a traditional lox sandwich at Pete’s, but we’re going to do an open-face version with a bit more enhanced flavors [at Seymour’s].”
Seymour’s is also collaborating with local favorite Look Alive Coffee to create a coffee program that is sure to round out the creative new menu.
What’s in a Name?
Behind every great cafe is a great story, and Seymour’s is no exception. The name is a tribute to Peterman’s late grandfather, a man who always said, “It’s good,” no matter how bad things were. Talk about positive vibes! Seymour’s face will even grace the cafe’s branding, bringing a personal touch that’s sure to make customers smile.
“It felt very meaningful,” Peterman said. “I didn’t originally plan to use his photo, but everyone in my family was so excited, so we’ve started to do some fun marketing with actual photos of him. I think he would have really loved it.”
More Than Just Bagels
While you can still get your bagel fix at Seymour’s, Peterman wants you to know this isn’t Pete’s Bagels 2.0.
“We’re trying to make it clear that this is going to be different than what you expect from us,” he says. So come with an open mind and an empty stomach – Seymour’s is ready to show St. Pete that they can do more than just roll with it.
As Seymour himself might say, “It’s good” – but we have a feeling it’s going to be even better than that. Get ready, St. Pete – your new favorite brunch spot is about to rise and shine!
Seymour’s plans to operate seven days a week, with tentative hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The kitchen will serve prepared foods until 2 p.m., with pastries, pie, quiche and coffee available through closing time. Peterman said to expect the new cafe to open before the end of February.
In preparation for the cafe’s opening, open interviews will be held Friday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pete’s Bagels’ Grand Central location, 2361 1st Ave. S.