On page 6 of the City of St. Petersburg’s RFP for the new Pier restaurant, under Section XI, it says the preferred proposal would “offer a nationally or regionally recognized chain restaurant or uniquely branded destination restaurant.”

The new Pier will, undoubtedly, be a focal point for our beautiful city; a must-stop destination for tourists and a gathering place for our local community. The Pier should proudly showcase our local flavors and our local vibe, be a reflection of all that’s great about St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region.

We kindly ask Mayor Kriseman and the City Council to amend the desired qualifications by removing the “nationally or regionally recognized chain restaurant” clause, and leaving it simply as “the preferred proposal would offer a uniquely branded destination restaurant.”