South Florida investors buy Dr. BBQ's St. Pete real estate
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Aug 23, 2022

A South Florida developer that’s been active in St. Petersburg has acquired the real estate currently home to Dr. BBQ, The Restaurant and Burnt Ends Tiki Bar.

PTM Partners paid $4.5 million for the 7,935-square-foot building at 1101 Central Ave., according to a Pinellas County deed filed last week. The seller was a corporate entity linked to Roger and Suzanne Perry, owners of Datz Restaurant Group.

The restaurant property is directly adjacent to a site where PTM Partners is building Edge Collective, a mixed-use development anchored by Moxy Hotel by Marriott International Inc.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to acquire Dr. BBQ and will work closely with the operating team there to continue to offer the community incredible food and beverage options,” Michael Tillman, CEO and chief investment officer at PTM Partners, said in a statement. “PTM continues to remain committed and optimistic about the future of St. Petersburg and is confident that the 1100 to 1300 block along Central Avenue will become a major mixed-use, inclusionary destination for residents, businesses, visitors and community stakeholders alike.”

Dr. BBQ is a collaboration between the Perrys and Ray Lampe, aka Dr. BBQ. The restaurant opened in 2018.

Suzanne Perry did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.