The Chattaway, a family-owned restaurant that has served St. Petersburg for 75 years, will close its doors permanently in July as the property at 358 22nd Ave. S. changes hands. The sale is expected to be finalized by the end of July to prospective owner Cullen Mahoney with St. Pete-based real estate development firm Sodus Development. The restaurant, established in 1951 by Jillian Frers, has been a staple on 22nd Avenue in St. Petersburg, known for its whimsical atmosphere and consistent menu.
“I care deeply about The Chattaway and what it means to the residents of St. Petersburg,” Mahoney told the Tampa Bay Times. “Any path forward would need to be rooted in preserving what makes this place special.” The prospective buyer’s comments come as the community prepares to say goodbye to one of the city’s longest-running restaurants. Frers, now 93 and originally from Blackheath, England, joined the business in the 1970s after marrying Everett Lund, whose mother Helen Lund had purchased the restaurant in 1951.
“I think of the people. There was always a very warm coming together here,” said Jillian Frers, reflecting on what she will miss most about the restaurant. The closure marks the end of a multi-generational family operation that involved all six of Frers’ children at various times. Greg Kitto, Frers’ son who has worked as a bartender for roughly 40 years, described the pending closure as “definitely bittersweet.” The family’s deep connection to the restaurant spans decades, with Kitto recalling his childhood visits starting at age 12.
The property’s history extends back to 1922, when the wooden building was first constructed on the pie-shaped lot at the corner of 22nd Avenue South and 4th Street South. Originally home to Four Corners Grocery, the building evolved through various incarnations before becoming the Chattaway Drive-In in the 1930s, complete with carhops serving customers under strings of lights. The transition to its modern identity began when Helen Lund purchased the business in 1951, later joined by her son Everett and eventually Jillian Frers.
“We have really loyal customers,” said manager Mary Carpenter. “Some come in once or twice a week, and others drive from miles away just to be here.” The restaurant built its reputation on a straightforward menu of burgers, fried chicken, seafood baskets, and sandwiches, maintaining consistency rather than pursuing constant reinvention. Carpenter noted that the restaurant’s success came from never trying to do too much, focusing instead on reliable service and quality food.
“I started coming here when I was about 12 years old-burger, chili, and a Coke,” Greg Kitto said. “I fell in love with it right away.” The restaurant became known for distinctive features including an outdoor garden filled with colorful plantings in brightly colored bathtubs, which earned Beautification Awards over the years. Inside, Frers’ English heritage was reflected in a tea room where afternoon tea was served by reservation, adding to the restaurant’s unique character.
The decision to sell stems from personal factors, as Frers is ready to return home to London after decades of operation. “It’s a lot of work,” said Debby Kitto, Frers’ daughter who served as operator, manager, gardener, and events coordinator. “It never really stops.” The family operation included siblings Amanda Kitto managing office operations and Winona Kitto as bar manager and entertainer, along with grandchildren who played various roles over the years.
The family plans to host a yard sale at the restaurant in July to sell memorabilia and pieces of the restaurant’s history before the property transfer occurs. “Everybody has a story about this place,” said Debby Kitto, acknowledging the restaurant’s role as a backdrop for countless family gatherings, birthday parties, and everyday routines. The Chattaway served as what Greg Kitto described as “always been a family place,” not just for the owners but for the generations of customers who made it part of their lives.
The restaurant will serve its last meal in mid-July, with the property transfer expected to occur in early August. Longtime patrons are expected to make final visits in the coming weeks as the St. Petersburg community prepares to bid farewell to this 75-year institution.