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The Neon Lunchbox
It’s been a while since I featured any local spots on the blog, and I wanted to try to tuck them in among our travel and Disney content again. As someone who recently started a small business, looking around and seeing where I can support other small businesses in my community has become essential. It’s no secret that St. Pete, FL, had a rough go with back-to-back devastating hurricanes in 2024, and now is the best time to get out and support them.
Mark and I are 80’s and 90’s kids and have a massive place for nostalgia in our hearts (obviously- look at our Disney obsession), so when we came across The Neon Lunchbox and learned their inspiring story, we had to check it out!
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Step Back in Time
The Neon Lunchbox is a stellar place to step back in time and fully into the nostalgia while enjoying lunch or a fun night out. This vibrant fusion of 80s/90s theming features live tunes and eclectic bites with fun events and monthly specials. It’s a perfect neighborhood hangout!
Meet the Owners
The Neon Lunchbox opened in March 2024 in the former Hideaway Cafe Space on Central Ave in downtown St. Pete. The owners, Chelsey and Smiley, have an inspiring and relatable story, best told in their own words.
Here is their story from the Meet the Owners page on their website.
“Chelsey and Smiley didn’t just stumble into owning The Neon Lunchbox—they built it from the ground up with a vision as vibrant as its name. Both had been chasing big dreams, only to find themselves in partnerships that dimmed their spark. Chelsey had been the heart and soul behind The Half Baked Potato, a quirky spot on Central Avenue that brought loaded spuds to the St. Pete foodie scene. But when her business partnership unraveled, she found herself at a crossroads, searching for something more fulfilling and entirely her own.
Smiley, on the other hand, was no stranger to creativity. As a co-owner of a thriving marketing and photography company, he’d poured his passion into elevating brands across the city. Yet, the partnership left him drained, stifled, and yearning for a project where he could truly let his talents shine.
Fate—or maybe just the universe working its magic—brought these two kindred spirits together. Over late-night brainstorming sessions fueled by nostalgia and big dreams, Chelsey and Smiley realized they had more in common than they thought. Both grew up in the golden eras of the 80s and 90s, their childhoods filled with neon lights, mixtapes, Saturday morning cartoons, and school lunchboxes packed with sugary snacks. Those memories weren’t just fond—they felt like home.
With a shared vision of creating a space that captured the magic of those formative years, The Neon Lunchbox was born. It wasn’t just about food or drinks—it was about building a community that celebrated the best of the past while creating a vibrant future.
They brought it all together: Chelsey’s flair for creating comforting, delicious eats and Smiley’s eye for design and atmosphere. Together, they transformed The Neon Lunchbox into a retro-inspired haven where every detail—from the menu to the décor to the events—sparked joy and nostalgia.
But this wasn’t just a business venture; it was a statement. Chelsey and Smiley turned their past struggles into fuel, proving that leaving behind toxic partnerships was the first step to leveling up. With their combined talents and a love for their city, they’re building more than a restaurant—they’re creating a movement.
Today, The Neon Lunchbox isn’t just a place to eat; it’s where St. Pete comes together to laugh, play, and make memories. Chelsey and Smiley have turned their childhood dreams into a glowing reality, proving that when you step out of the shadows, you can shine brighter than ever.
✨ Welcome to The Neon Lunchbox—where the past feels like home, and the future is electric.” ✨
Super Inspiring, right?!?! We always choose local places over chain restaurants, and it’s even more meaningful when you learn about the people behind the businesses who are chasing their dreams. We love supporting artists, and this place has put so much thought, care, and talent into every detail, menu, and mural.
The Menu and Food
The Neon Lunchbox menu features unique and perfectly themed options for everyone. We tried The Fat Bastard and The Johnny Bravo – great pricing and portions. The menu also features shareable items, handhelds, salads, various comfort sides, desserts, and a creative cocktail and shot list.
We popped in on a Thursday around 1 PM, and they had the best non-live music playing! The playlist was full of 80’s and 90’s pop culture hits. I’m sure it would be an absolute blast in the evenings! It was such a fun atmosphere with choices to suit everyone.
The Neon Lunchbox is a stellar place to step back in time and into the nostalgia while enjoying lunch or a night out. This vibrant fusion of 80s/90s hangout features live tunes, open mic nights, and rad bites with fun events and rotating monthly specials.
Such a fun place to go with friends, girls’ nights, and themed celebrations like birthdays and bachelor and bachelorette parties. It is such a cool concept and a great new addition to Central Avenue in St. Pete!
This 80s girl has to check the place out!!