Robin and Jack King, owners of Three Birds Tavern in St. Petersburg for more than twelve years, are retiring and selling the business to local hospitality professionals John and Haley Ruetz.
Three Birds Tavern is housed in a 140-year-old, former farmhouse, at 1492 Fourth Street North.
The Kings purchased the property in 2009 and restored the building and expanded the outdoor patios. In 2015, Three Birds Tavern was recognized with a city beautification award.
“When we bought the building in 2009, Jack told me we would give this a 10-year run after his first retirement from a successful litigation career in Ohio, so I knew in 2019 our time was winding down,” Robin said, in a statement. The Kings decided they would continue to operate Three Birds Tavern until the perfect buyers came along.
John and Haley, St. Pete natives, say they are dedicated to preserving the property and making the restaurant even better. John owns and operates The Annex on Beach Drive and prior to that managed 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House and Cafe Gala at the Dali Museum.
“We are excited to carry on the tradition of Three Birds Tavern, with our growing family (two future busboys,) and be an active part in the community in which we live and love,” John said, in the statement.
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