Jimmy Devon Baxter Will Open St. Petersburg Lounge
The former University of South Florida athlete will launch Love Language 727 this October.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Former USF basketball standout Jimmy Devon Baxter is set to open Love Language 727 Restaurant & Lounge in St. Petersburg this October. The new establishment will occupy the former site of 31 Grand on Central Avenue.
Why it matters
The venue aims to bring an experience-driven dining and lounge concept to the area, drawing inspiration from the prominent hospitality scene in Atlanta. It marks a notable transition for Baxter from the basketball court to local entrepreneurship.
The 4,000-square-foot venue accommodates 100 guests and enforces a minimum age requirement of 25 after 6 p.m. daily. It utilizes a 2,500-square-foot interior alongside a 1,500-square-foot covered patio.
The players
Jimmy Devon Baxter
He is a former University of South Florida basketball player and a Boca Ciega High School graduate who is transitioning into the hospitality industry.
The details
Located at 3063 Central Ave, the restaurant takes over the space formerly occupied by the sports bar 31 Grand. The establishment will offer both lunch and dinner service throughout the week.
Timeline
Baxter played basketball at the University of South Florida from 2000 to 2004.
The previous occupant, 31 Grand, closed in late 2024.
Love Language 727 Restaurant & Lounge is scheduled to open in October 2026.
Market Landscape
The project follows the established pattern of converting former sports-focused retail spaces into experience-driven dining and lounge concepts within St. Petersburg. This shift reflects the broader trend of hospitality-led redevelopment along the Central Avenue corridor.
Patrons planning to visit the lounge after 6 p.m. must be at least 25 years old to gain entry. The establishment will offer daily service, providing a new option for lunch and dinner in the Grand Central District.
The takeaway
The opening signals a shift toward upscale, age-restricted nightlife options in the Grand Central District. Residents looking for new entertainment venues should note the specific age requirements for evening dining.
Further reading
For more on new businesses arriving in the region, visit the St. Petersburg Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 995qyk.
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