One Of Tampa Bay’s Most Popular Vegan Restaurants to Close Later This Month
After six years of dishing out plant-based food, Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli will shut down at 2930 Beach Boulevard. The trailblazing spot in Gulfport’s food scene couldn’t bounce back from recent hits from storms and money troubles.
“The era of vegan restaurant extinction seems to be upon us, and Gold Dinos will unfortunately not survive the apocalypse,” said owners Brian and Audrey Dingeman to St. Pete Rising.
The couple plans to put their energy into Good Intentions, their St. Petersburg spot. A combo of hurricane damage and rising costs pushed them to make the tough call to close.
Famous for making everything in-house, their pastrami reuben pulled in folks from all over Tampa Bay. The kitchen whipped up Cuban sandwiches, plant-based smashburgers, and spicy buffalo tempeh.
Until they close for good, folks can drop by from noon until 8 p.m. weekdays. Weekend hours run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Out back, a cozy patio fits 40 people under string lights.
The kitchen got props for turning beloved comfort foods into vegan dishes. Their talent shined through in barbecue tofu, filling seitan meals, and fresh-baked desserts.
They grew tight with nearby shops, pouring Bandit coffee and putting on community events. From yoga classes to bake sales, the place grew into more than just somewhere to eat.
Having eaten vegan for ten years before opening up shop, the Dingemans ask folks to be understanding during their last days open. They’re expecting crowds as regulars come in for their final bites.
