'On the map'

When Stephen Schrutt built The Avenue Eat/Drink on First Avenue South in downtown St. Petersburg five years ago, his dream was to create a destination block.

He built the American burger gastro bar next door to a pizza place and World of Beer. It was the perfect setup — or so he thought.

But two pizza places cycled through the space next door and the World of Beer location eventually closed. Undaunted, the 38-year-old CEO and founder of Hunger & Thirst Restaurant Group, Schrutt looked at the obstacles as an opportunity, not a permanent setback. He has since backed up the opportunity with a significant investment.