Zoie’s in Jan. 2023. Photo by Ryan Williams-Jent.
ST. PETERSBURG | Zoie’s announced its immediate and permanent closure late June 25, thanking the community for their months of support as an LGBTQ+-inclusive space in the Grand Central District.
The restaurant and bar initially opened in Oct. 2022 as “a place for everyone.” Their official grand opening followed Dec. 31 before they expanded to offer recurring LGBTQ+-led staples like brunch, Drag Queen Bingo, trivia and more.
The announcement was made via social media during St Pete Pride, citing owner Jeff Baker’s health and coinciding with the end of this year’s street festival. The celebration welcomed thousands to the district that day.
“It is with a profound sense of sadness that I am announcing the closure of Zoie’s, effective today, June 26th,” Baker wrote. “Over the last month, my life took a turn when I was diagnosed with Cancer. This unexpected turn of events has led me to reassess what’s most important in life, and prompted me to make the difficult decision to close our beloved Zoie’s for the sake of my health and my family’s well-being.
“Facing a challenging road to recovery, I’ve realized the importance of focusing fully on my health and my grandmother’s,” he continued. “The pressures of running Zoie’s have begun to take a toll on me both physically and emotionally.”
The business was Baker’s first restaurant and offered a variety of southern comfort food. It could seat nearly 200 guests inside and 50-60 outdoors, where it regularly hosted events like Watermark Wednesday.
“We’re in this very diverse neighborhood and our goal is to have diverse guests from everywhere,” Baker told Watermark in January. “Zoie’s is just a place where people can come in, be themselves and not have to worry. Be whoever you are – whatever that is, we don’t care.”
In his announcement, Baker said that supporters “turned this restaurant from a dream into a reality, and made Zoie’s a truly special place.” He also called it “more than a just a restaurant.”
“As we close this chapter, I take solace in the fact that Zoie’s has made a positive impact in our community, thanks to your support and dedication,” he wrote. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for your unwavering support and love for Zoie’s. I will always cherish the memories we created together at Zoie’s.”
Read Baker’s full statement below:
“Dear Zoie’s family and friends,
It is with a profound sense of sadness that I am announcing the closure of Zoie’s, effective today, June 26th. Over the last month, my life took a turn when I was diagnosed with Cancer. This unexpected turn of events has led me to reassess what’s most important in life, and prompted me to make the difficult decision to close our beloved Zoie’s for the sake of my health and my family’s well-being.
Facing a challenging road to recovery, I’ve realized the importance of focusing fully on my health and my grandmother’s. The pressures of running Zoie’s have begun to take a toll on me both physically and emotionally.
Our journey at Zoie’s has been an unforgettable one, filled with treasured memories. It has been an honor and a pleasure to provide you with a place to gather, enjoy good food, and create lasting moments. Our loyal guests, you’ve turned this restaurant from a dream into a reality, and made Zoie’s a truly special place.
I am immensely grateful to our dedicated team members who worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life. You are an integral part of Zoie’s success and its heart and soul.
Zoie’s has always been more than just a restaurant. It’s a brand that stands for community and goodwill. We’ve had the privilege of partnering with numerous local organizations, contributing towards making our community a better place, and this is something I will always be proud of.
As we close this chapter, I take solace in the fact that Zoie’s has made a positive impact in our community, thanks to your support and dedication.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for your unwavering support and love for Zoie’s. I will always cherish the memories we created together at Zoie’s.
Yours Sincerely,
Jeff”
Watermark has reached out to Zoie’s for additional comment and will update this story should it be received. For more information about the restaurant, visit ZoiesFL.com while its website is live.
