The Chattaway’s roots trace back to 1921. It will soon have new owners for the first time in over 50 years. All photos: Courtesy of The Chattaway.
The Chattaway, a South St. Petersburg staple since 1951, will change hands in August. Co-owner Debby Kitto said time and the daily grind of running a restaurant have taken a toll.
She believes the new owners, who should close on the property at 358 22nd Ave. S. in early August, are investors with the money and energy to revitalize The Chattaway. Kitto’s mother, Jillian Frers, assumed ownership in the mid-1970s and is now 93 years old.
“It’s just not the same without her there, and a lot of family members really don’t work here anymore,” Kitto said. “For the most part, no one really wants to do it anymore. We’re done.”
Kitto said she also lacks the money to renovate a 105-year-old building that has withstood numerous storms. “Something is always going wrong in it … The place needs a lot of work.”
The Chattaway is known for its outdoor patio.
The building opened in 1921 and initially housed a general store. A sandwich and beer shop followed once Prohibition ended.
The establishment subsequently became the Chattaway Drive-In and changed hands several times throughout the 1940s. Helen Lund purchased the business, which gradually evolved into what it is today, in 1951.
She was later joined by her son, Everett Lund. He and Frers met through the local theater circuit and eventually married.
The two became co-owners of The Chattaway in the mid-1970s. Frers, a native of England, and Everett purchased the property in 1981.
While the establishment has long been known for its vibrant outdoor dining area, surrounded by brightly painted bathtubs filled with flowers, Frers began incorporating British ambience. The Chattaway’s afternoon tea service – held in a formal indoor dining room, complete with elegant furniture and decor – became a defining feature.
However, the restaurant remained a family affair with renowned burgers, seafood, and fried chicken. Greg Kitto, Frers’ son and a bartender at The Chattaway for roughly 40 years, called it a “blessed place.”
“We didn’t want to leave, by any means,” said Greg. “I love my job. I love the people of St. Pete.”
From left: Greg Kitto, his mother, Jillian “Lady Chattaway” Freers, and her third great-grandbaby, Shilo.
Greg, Debby’s brother, said the decision to sell was “completely financial.” The family “did not want to go out of business.”
Debby called relinquishing the restaurant “bittersweet.” She stressed that the family still loves The Chattaway, which will serve its last meals in mid-July.
“Sometimes I think I’m just crazy,” Debby said. “But it’s too much. It’s for young people. You have to be there every minute.”
Business slowed during the summer, as is typical for the industry. Greg noted that the pandemic and Hurricanes Helene and Milton exacerbated mounting issues.
Debby was initially skeptical that the new owners would maintain The Chattaway. However, architects have visited the site, and she now believes “they’re going to fix it up.”
The restaurant is also known for its tea service.
Greg, who said he runs the restaurant’s “diplomacy department,” is optimistic for the enduring icon’s future in St. Petersburg. “If the people that take over have the same idea as us, they’ll be just as blessed to run it,” he added. “All you have to do is be a good person with a good heart.”
That mentality has enabled the restaurant to atypically remain in business since the Truman Administration. The family also maintained close ties with surrounding neighbors as urbanization inevitably changed the once-rural area.
Greg credited The Chattaway’s staying power and relevancy in what is now the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) to “genuine, from the heart goodwill.”
“We were able to meet some of the first Black cops and hear their stories,” he continued. “All these wonderful people, like the Freedom Riders, who came in here – I was so blessed to meet. These folks have turned into our soul family.”
Loyal customers will have the opportunity to bid farewell and purchase Chattaway memorabilia in July. Greg has heard that the new owner’s wife “likes to help homeless people,” and he and his family are “just hoping they’re good-spirited.”
“I’ll tell you one thing: Through the decades, I never turned down one hungry mouth,” he said.
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