Drift: St. Pete’s Bold Courtyard Comeback at the Sundial

Downtown St. Pete is getting a striking new addition: Drift, a stylish open-air bar concept designed to breathe life back into the heart of the Sundial. More than just another watering hole, Drift marks a strategic effort to reimagine the Sundial courtyard as a vibrant, community-driven social space. And it’s already stirring conversation.

A New Vision for the Sundial Courtyard

Drift will be a 1,500-square-foot courtyard bar constructed directly under the Sundial’s existing canopy. The design includes seating for up to 76 guests—26 at the bar and about 50 in surrounding lounge areas—creating a casual but polished environment ideal for meetups, date nights, and pre-movie cocktails.

The project is being brought to life by Paradise Ventures and Ally Capital Group, with Next Level Brands leading operations. That’s the same team behind some of Tampa’s most buzzworthy restaurants, including Forbici Italian, Union New American, and Boulon Brasserie. Local restaurateur Jeff Gigante, a partner in Next Level Brands, is helping steer the vision with a clear focus on elevating the downtown St. Pete experience.

The Lawsuit That Nearly Killed It

This transformation hasn’t come without controversy. The project faced a major hurdle earlier this year when Florida 2005 Theaters LLC—the entity behind the AMC Sundial 12—filed a lawsuit to block the proposed courtyard renovations. They argued that the new restaurant/bar would violate agreements made when AMC moved into the space.

After months of negotiations, the two sides reached a settlement. The result: Paradise Ventures can move forward with the build-out, but with restrictions. In a quirky twist, one clause specifically prohibits any Italian or pizza restaurants at the ground level—likely a concession to protect the branding of Forbici, which is slated to open on the second floor above Drift.

For Paradise Ventures, the lawsuit's resolution is a significant victory, not just for their team, but for the future of the entire Sundial property. Michael Connor of Paradise Ventures called it “a big win for the city,” emphasizing that increased foot traffic in the courtyard could ultimately benefit all tenants, including AMC.

What Makes Drift Different

Drift isn’t just aiming to fill seats. The concept is intentionally designed to attract a more elevated crowd, offering a relaxed but refined alternative to the louder beach bars and jam-packed patios nearby. The atmosphere will lean more toward a social lounge than a nightclub, with acoustic sets, light DJ playlists, and a beachy-yet-sophisticated design aesthetic.

Unlike bars that bleed into sidewalks and open streets, Drift sits entirely on private property. That makes it more exclusive in feel while still being centrally located. It also gives the operators more control over the vibe, the service, and the overall experience.

In a nod to local pride, Drift will also feature collectible cocktail glasses created by local artists. Each glass will highlight a different St. Pete landmark, from the Dali Museum to the Pier, adding a distinctive hometown touch to the drink menu.

Timeline and Next Steps

Engineering and permitting are already in progress, with submissions expected within the month. If all goes according to plan, Drift will open alongside the second-floor Forbici later this year—possibly as soon as November or December, just in time for the busy holiday season.

The goal is to roll out both concepts simultaneously, creating a multi-level hospitality experience that redefines what the Sundial can offer residents and visitors alike.

Why This Matters for St. Pete

Drift’s arrival represents more than a new place to grab a cocktail. It signals a larger shift in how downtown St. Pete is evolving. By activating the underused Sundial courtyard, the developers hope to draw more consistent traffic into the plaza’s retail and entertainment venues.

The unique covered-yet-open-air design of the courtyard gives it an advantage over other nightlife venues in the area. It offers shelter from unpredictable Florida weather while preserving the energy and connection of an outdoor space.

And thanks to the very public lawsuit, Drift has already become a symbol of the push-pull between old business interests and new urban development. That tension could either fuel the buzz or become a cautionary tale depending on how well the project is executed.

Will Drift Change the Game or Miss the Mark?

The questions remain: Will Drift succeed in curating a classy but lively crowd? Will the surrounding tenants welcome the new foot traffic or resist it? Can Drift and Forbici coexist harmoniously in the same footprint without overshadowing each other?

These uncertainties are part of what makes this project so compelling. Drift is more than a new bar. It’s a test of whether downtown St. Pete is ready to evolve its social spaces into something more ambitious and maybe even a little controversial.

Whether it turns into a cultural hotspot or falls short of the hype, one thing is certain: all eyes are on Sundial.