St. Pete Beach is welcoming a new culinary gem this fall: Copper Kettle, a cozy and creative eatery owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Alex and Nikki Vic. Their journey to opening the restaurant has been filled with passion, persistence, and a love for authentic, scratch-made food.
From Frog Pond to a Dream Realized
Alex first arrived in the area in 2013, taking on the role of restaurant manager at the beloved Frog Pond. After Hurricane Helene and the resulting closures, the space became available, opening the door for Alex and Nikki to chase a dream long in the making.
“Always loved food and always a passion of mine,” Alex says, though he’s quick to point out with a laugh, “I’m not the cook; I’m the eater.”
That role belongs to Nikki, who has spent years as a server while balancing homeschooling her children. Her recipes once graced the Frog Pond’s specials board, and they now form the heart of Copper Kettle’s menu.
A Menu Rooted in Quality and Care
Copper Kettle is committed to using whole, fresh ingredients and preparing everything from scratch. “We are devoted to as whole ingredients as we can… crepes from scratch, pancakes – nothing out of a bag,” Nikki explains.
Signature dishes include:
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Eggs Benedict with crab cakes, spinach, and Gruyère
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French-style crepes crafted with care
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Biscuits and gravy Nikki proudly declares will “rival anyone’s”
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Alex’s crab cakes, which he promises are “off the chain”
Even the eggs are thoughtfully sourced from Vital Farms, ensuring the highest quality.
Why Copper?
The restaurant’s name isn’t just a nod to nostalgia—it reflects both health and style. Copper is known for its grounding and balancing properties, and at Copper Kettle, even the water is filtered and served from traditional copper kettles. Its properties give it an unquantifiable cool. “Using that word [Copper Kettle] brings you back to vintage, basics,” Alex shares.
The restaurant’s interior matches that vibe, with vintage books, mossy textures, and a warm, old-world aesthetic that feels both timeless and comforting.
The Road to Opening
Though originally planned for July, permitting delays pushed the timeline back. Now, Copper Kettle is set for a soft opening in the second week of October.
Despite the challenges of rising rents and industry obstacles, the Vics have remained dedicated to creating a place that blends heart, history, and flavor.
Visit Copper Kettle
Located at 7390 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, Copper Kettle is ready to welcome locals and visitors alike with fresh food, vintage charm, and a touch of copper magic.
