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The End Of An Era: 5 Major Changes As Juno & The Peacock Replaces 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House

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The iconic corner of Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, has undergone its most dramatic transformation in a decade. For years, the address at 400 Beach Dr. NE was synonymous with one name: 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House. As of today, December 24, 2025, that era is officially over, replaced by a stunning new concept that has completely redefined the waterfront dining experience. This change, managed by the powerhouse Volet Hospitality group, moves beyond a simple renovation; it's a complete shift in culinary philosophy, ambiance, and local dining culture.

The transition from a beloved, decade-long staple to a glamorous new destination has been one of the biggest stories in the Tampa Bay area's food scene. While the old establishment is remembered for its sprawling menu and famous Sunday Brunch, its successor, Juno & The Peacock, ushers in a new wave of New American Coastal Cuisine and old-school glamour. Here is a deep dive into the five most significant changes that have taken place at the 400 Beach Drive location.

The Legacy of 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House

Before its transformation, 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House was a fixture on St. Pete's waterfront, known for its prime location overlooking North Straub Park and Tampa Bay. Its history is marked by a long run of success and local adoration.

  • Location: 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
  • Years of Operation: Over 10 years (a major staple on Beach Drive).
  • Cuisine Focus: Extensive American Seafood and Tap House fare, including a popular Oyster Bar and a wide selection of craft beers.
  • Signature Offerings: Renowned for its award-winning Sunday Brunch, which drew large crowds to the waterfront patio. Menu favorites included Shrimp & Grits, Crab Benedict, and a wide array of fresh catches.
  • Accolades: The restaurant was recognized multiple times, including being named a Florida Trend Top 20 Restaurant.
  • Closure: The restaurant closed abruptly for what was initially announced as a temporary renovation, but the owners later confirmed the space would be replaced by an entirely new concept.

1. A Complete Shift in Culinary Identity: From 'Tap House' to 'Coastal Glamour'

The most profound change is the complete overhaul of the menu and concept. 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House was known for its casual, accessible, and extensive offerings—a true "tap house" with a strong seafood focus. The new restaurant, Juno & The Peacock, is a dramatic departure.

The new concept introduces a refined "New American Coastal Cuisine," drawing inspiration from the vibrant "Sunshine City" spirit and even Aesop's fable of the peacock. This is not the family-style brunch spot of the past; it's an elevated dining experience with a distinct sense of old-school glamour. The menu features classic, luxurious dishes like Oysters Rockefeller, Lobster Tail Escargot, and a sophisticated Crab Louie, alongside entrees such as Chicken Marsala. This shift signals a move toward a more upscale, destination-worthy dining experience on Beach Drive, contrasting with the more casual, high-volume approach of its predecessor.

2. The Introduction of Volet Hospitality's Vision

The driving force behind this transformation is Volet Hospitality, a major player in the St. Petersburg dining renaissance. The group, led by co-owners Shawn and Jeanna Damkoehler, acquired the original restaurant in May 2021. Their portfolio is a testament to their commitment to elevating the local culinary scene, including the nearby Mediterranean-Aegean restaurant Allelo and the popular Annata Wine Bar.

The Damkoehlers' decision to replace 400 Beach with Juno & The Peacock and the adjacent cocktail lounge, Pluma, was part of a broader vision to curate a more sophisticated and cohesive dining experience along the waterfront strip. This strategic move highlights the ongoing evolution of downtown St. Pete's dining scene, placing the 400 Beach address firmly within a family of high-end, chef-driven concepts.

3. A Dual-Concept Destination: Juno & The Peacock and Pluma

The redevelopment of the space resulted in a two-part destination, maximizing the prime real estate. While 400 Beach was a single entity, the new concept is a dynamic duo: Juno & The Peacock for the main dining experience, and a separate, adjacent cocktail lounge named Pluma.

Pluma, which translates to "feather" in Spanish, offers a distinctly intimate and elevated bar experience, complementing the restaurant's aesthetic. This dual-concept approach allows Volet Hospitality to cater to different guest intentions—a full dinner at the restaurant or a sophisticated cocktail and small bites at the lounge—significantly increasing the topical authority and versatility of the location.

4. The Grand Opening and Current Status

The long-awaited debut of the new concept confirms the current status of the 400 Beach address. After months of anticipation and a quiet soft opening, Juno & The Peacock held its grand opening celebration on August 23, 2024.

The restaurant is now fully operational, offering Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch menus, ensuring the tradition of a weekend brunch at the location continues, albeit with a refined, New American flair. The successful launch and the buzz surrounding the stylish, thoughtfully curated decor—including a stunning crystal peacock crafted by a local artist—cement the fact that the old 400 Beach is history, and the new era is in full swing. This fresh opening date makes the location one of the hottest and most current dining destinations in the Tampa Bay area.

5. Elevated Ambiance and Design Philosophy

The interior design has been completely reimagined to match the "coastal glamour" cuisine. The atmosphere at 400 Beach was pleasant and open, but the new design for Juno & The Peacock is a statement in luxury and artistry. The restaurant is designed to evoke a sense of occasion, with a focus on sophisticated details and a grand aesthetic.

The centerpiece is the aforementioned crystal peacock, a local art installation that immediately sets a luxurious tone. The overall design is a deliberate effort to create an environment as compelling as the food, moving away from the more functional design of a traditional tap house. This commitment to a high-end, immersive environment is a clear indicator of the rising sophistication of the St. Pete waterfront dining scene, which also includes neighbors like BellaBrava and Stillwaters Tavern.

400 beach and seafood
400 beach and seafood

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