Today I am sharing me secret for restaurant selection. In the St. Pete area this works remarkably well.

First a little background (this is the real estate part). Lease rates for retail and restaurant space in St. Petersburg are all over the place, from a low of about $8/SF for the hole in the wall diner to $35/SF in the new places on 4th Street.

Rent is one of the biggest expenses a restaurant has and this is paid for with the price of your dinner.

My best and most rewarding meals are always in restaurants that have been in the location for a long time, that are near the end of their lease.