When the sun rises over St. Petersburg, there’s a new scent wafting through 94th Avenue North—a rich, nostalgic aroma of globally inspired cuisine. The beloved Roe’s Café & Catering has officially reopened at its brand-new location, and with it, Chef Olivia Pedroff has reignited a culinary journey that began long before she ever donned a chef’s jacket.
From its humble beginnings to this moment of rebirth, Roe’s Café has always stood for more than just food. It’s about community, passion, and the kind of comfort only a family-rooted kitchen can provide. And yes, the focus keyword—Roe’s Café—is back, better than ever.
👉 Official website: roescatering.com
👉 Instagram: @roescatering
👉 Facebook: facebook.com/roescatering
Where Family, Fire, and Flavor Collide
Inside the doors of the café at 1100 94th Avenue North, you’re walking into something more than a restaurant—you’re stepping into Chef Pedroff’s memory. Raised in a Greek family steeped in small business culture, her earliest memories were etched in steam, spices, and the laughter of grandparents passing down the secrets of true hospitality.
“There is no better memory than being in the kitchen,” she says, a quote that lingers in the air like the scent of just-sizzled souvlaki. Her grandfather’s stories, her grandmother’s seasoned hands—these are the roots that now nourish Roe’s dynamic menu.
Cooking Beyond Textbooks
Chef Pedroff’s fire didn’t stop at the stove. As a high school student, her talent was spotted by a culinary instructor who set her on a new path. That journey led to an internship at The Birchwood Restaurant, and later, to Johnson & Wales University, where she honed her skills in culinary arts and entrepreneurship.
“There, I learned your textbook can only get you so far,” Pedroff recalls. “The guys and girls in the kitchen have ten different ways to do something… you pick what works for you.” It’s this flexible, fearless approach that makes Roe’s so distinctive, marrying classic comfort with international flair.
Globally Inspired, Locally Informed
Nowhere is Roe’s uniqueness more apparent than in its ever-evolving specials. One week it’s a soul-warming gumbo inspired by New Orleans, the next it’s a spice-kissed shawarma with a twist of Tampa. Roe’s Café doesn’t just follow trends—it creates them.
“It’s not about what I want to eat, but what others like,” Pedroff says. Her specials, though bold, are grounded in community tastes. “New Orleans food has genuine love flowing into it,” she shares, hinting at the emotion and intention she pours into every dish.
The Sandwich Shop That Could
Seven years ago, Roe’s started as a small sandwich shop in Pinellas Park. Fast forward to today, and it’s a local powerhouse. The menu still honors its roots with a jaw-dropping 43 menu items, but now it stretches its culinary wings with full custom catering, dazzling specials, and a new breakfast service to boot.
“If you can dream it, we’ve got it,” Pedroff promises, eyes sparkling behind the line. And judging by the buzz from regulars and foodies alike, she’s not wrong.
A New Chapter: Breakfast and Brunch Arrive
The reopening brings a major milestone for Roe’s: the launch of its first-ever breakfast menu. And soon, with a beer and wine license on the horizon, Saturday brunch will follow—bringing bubbly mimosas and savory bites to North St. Pete.
“We’re taking it as it comes to see what people want,” Pedroff explains. The community-first mindset is her north star, one that ensures every omelet, pancake, or house-made hash has a story behind it.
Love, Loyalty, and the Long Haul
Balancing a booming café with a thriving catering business isn’t easy. But for Chef Pedroff, it’s the love of her people—from kitchen staff to loyal customers—that fuels her every day.
“My people keep me going,” she says. “I love when someone mentions something I made and asks when I’m going to bring it back… That dish might become someone else’s new favorite.”
There’s something timeless, even magical, about Roe’s. Maybe it’s the laughter echoing from the kitchen. Maybe it’s the heart that goes into every forkful. Whatever it is, St. Petersburg is lucky to have it back.
A Taste That Lingers
Roe’s Café isn’t just a café—it’s a movement. A living, breathing testament to food as memory, as love, and as fuel for the soul. With globally inspired dishes, a powerhouse woman at the helm, and a fiercely loyal community, Roe’s is already shaping up to be one of the most influential culinary experiences in St. Pete.
If you haven’t been yet, don’t wait too long. The kitchen’s hot, the coffee’s fresh, and something new is always on the burner.
What will Roe’s serve up next? Stick around. The menu—and the magic—is just getting started.
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