Block on: The Avenue turns 5, with plans to make its St. Pete block a destination

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Block on: The Avenue turns 5, with plans to make its St. Pete block a destination

A fourth concept for Hunger + Thirst Restaurant Group is taking shape along First Avenue South.

Meaghan Habuda

Nov 9, 2016 6 PM

This has been the fastest year of Stephen Schrutt's life.

The Hunger + Thirst Restaurant Group founder and CEO is about two weeks away from launching his newest culinary project, Proper Kitchen & Cocktails, next to his downtown flagship, the Avenue Eat + Drink. He recently celebrated the birthday of 1-year-old Kings Street Food Counter, named after his English bulldog, King, in the still-booming EDGE District. And the Ave is poised to celebrate another milestone on its one-way stretch of First Avenue South: five years in business.

"It's been the craziest year of my life," the restaurateur says, "but it's also been the most exciting because we get to do what we love every day."

A St. Pete diehard who isn't interested in taking Hunger + Thirst into another market, Schrutt credits the success of the Avenue to his staff and customers. The American gastropub has become a destination for lunch as well as Happy Hour on a block where past neighbors haven't fared as well. But the main thing the tight-knit team's been able to build, he says, is a culture that encourages everyone — from management to back of house — to have each others' backs and make the Avenue a fun, welcoming place to be.

The restaurant's five-year bash is a chance to reflect on what they've accomplished.