St. Pete’s bars and restaurants help give the city its personality. That’s why the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing hospitality leaders together again for the next Chefs Circle Forum on September 14. Following a strong turnout at the inaugural event in June, attendees will once again share ideas, discuss industry challenges, and learn from others facing many of the same opportunities and obstacles.
The forum takes place from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the St. Pete Chamber (100 2nd Ave N, Suite 150) and is open to hospitality leaders from across the community. Register here for the Chefs Circle.
Participants share ideas during the most recent Chefs Circle Forum
Conversations that matter
What made the first Chefs Circle Forum stand out was its collaborative approach. At the June gathering, hospitality professionals were invited to participate in honest conversations about what they’re seeing in their businesses and across the industry. More than 40 people attended, representing a wide range of local establishments, from longtime favorites to newer concepts making their mark in the community.
Those discussions covered everything from rising food and beverage costs to labor shortages, marketing challenges, tourism trends, and changing consumer behavior. The goal was simple: identify shared challenges and learn from each other.
The conversations didn’t stop when the forum ended. Participants built new business relationships, explored partnership opportunities, and connected around issues affecting the hospitality community. New initiatives like Game Night St. Pete, developed in partnership with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, grew out of those discussions.
Creative problem-solving is central to the Chef’s Circle
Turning marketing into momentum
This time around, the spotlight will be on marketing. The centerpiece of September’s forum is a Marketing Masterclass focused on simple, practical ways to reach customers and keep them coming back.
From social media and digital advertising to partnerships, events, and in-person experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to spread the word. The challenge is figuring out where to focus time and energy to make the greatest impact. The Chefs Circle offers a chance to hear what’s working for others, share ideas, and pick up fresh inspiration along the way.
Who should attend?
If you own, manage, or help lead a restaurant, café, bar, brewery, or other hospitality-focused business, the Chefs Circle Forum is designed for you.
The event is open to members of the St. Pete Chamber, and non-members are welcome to attend one forum session as a guest. Whether you’re looking for new connections, fresh marketing ideas, or a chance to compare notes with others in the industry, the Chefs Circle offers a seat at the table.
The next forum takes place Monday, September 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Register online and follow the St. Pete Chamber on Instagram for future event updates.
Dining and Cooking