Velvet Coupe Wine Lounge to Open in St. Petersburg

- The lounge will be located at 25 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street South in the EDGE District, taking over a 1,428-square-foot space formerly occupied by Baked in the Burg. A soft opening is targeted for April with a full opening in May. - Owner Dina Branham, a real estate broker who recently moved to St. Petersburg from Sarasota, previously owned and operated a similar concept called Wine House Social in Delray Beach from 2018 to 2022. The creative energy of St. Pete inspired her to launch this new, more streamlined lounge concept. - Velvet Coupe aims for a "moody sexy chic" and "cozy hangout" atmosphere with a capacity for about 30 to 35 guests, featuring a mix of bar seating, low tables, and lounge-style chairs. The tagline for the lounge is "luxury by omission." - The beverage program will center on sustainably and organically produced wines, with a focus on quality over quantity rather than a specific region, though Italian wines are expected to feature prominently. A limited selection of champagne and beer will also be available. - In addition to drinks, a small, rotating menu of plates will be offered to complement the wine-forward experience. While bottles will be available for retail purchase, the primary function is a bar and lounge. - Future plans for the venue include hosting occasional wine tastings, private member events, and live music nights. - The global sparkling wine market is projected to grow significantly, with one report forecasting an increase from $82.26 billion in 2026 to $164.59 billion by 2034. Key trends driving this growth include a demand for premium, artisanal, and sustainably produced options, aligning with Velvet Coupe's concept. - The opening comes as St. Petersburg's nightlife is seen to be surging, with a variety of new establishments contributing to a vibrant scene that includes everything from rooftop lounges and speakeasies to high-energy clubs.