A new Americana-themed bar, Trailer Daddy, is set to open its doors this Friday at 217 Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg. The bar is taking over the location previously occupied by Glamper and aims to offer a nostalgic backyard party atmosphere.
Trailer Daddy is led by Matt Knoth, Director of Art and Design and Partner at Forward Hospitality Group. This group is also responsible for other local establishments on the Jannus Block, such as Welcome to the Farm, Good Night John Boy, Hi 5, My Rich Uncle, and Tony D’s Sub Shop.
According to Michael Schwartz, CEO of Forward Hospitality Group, “the best kind of American chaos” inspired the new concept. Mark Acchione, another partner at Forward Hospitality Group, commented on the transition from Glamper: “When he proposed this, Glamper wasn’t doing poorly. But this space should be doing more. It needed a hook — and this concept has one.”
The venue features decorations like vintage hubcaps, lawn chairs, plastic flamingos, a kiddie pool, and a celebrity mullet “Hall of Fame.” Real trailers have been modified to fit inside the space. Drinks are served in red Solo cups with bartenders available to write guests’ names or nicknames on their cups.
Schwartz explained the intended vibe: “I don’t want to celebrate the Fourth of July once a year — I want to celebrate it every day,” he told St. Pete Rising. “Think backyard barbecue. Kids controlling the music. Grandparents dancing. Everyone screaming the lyrics to the same song. That’s the energy we’re trying to create.” He added: “We want it to feel immersive. Not just a bar with a theme, but a social experience. When you walk in, you should feel like you’re at your friend’s backyard party — they just happen to live in a trailer park.”
The drink menu includes beers, wine, Red Bulls, rotating Jell-O shots, frozen cocktails such as the Transfusion (vodka, grape, ginger, lime), and signature drinks like American Pie (Fireball Blazin’ Apple with caramel and apple cider), Pink Starburst (vanilla vodka with watermelon), and Porch Pounder (peach vodka and coconut rum in a flamingo cup).
Music will play an important role at Trailer Daddy but will not be limited by genre selection. Schwartz said: “The only rule is nine out of ten people have to know the hook and be able to scream it out loud,” adding that this creates an engaging environment.
For food options, Trailer Daddy shares its space with Tony D’s Sub Shop—opened earlier this year—which serves Italian subs among other items like chicken parmigiana sandwiches and Philly cheesesteaks. Orders can be placed via QR code for pickup at a window connecting both venues.
Entertainment plans include DJs, trivia nights, karaoke events, and occasional live music performances.
“We’re not overcomplicating it,” Schwartz said. “People want to have fun. They want to laugh. That’s it.”
After opening weekend festivities starting March 6th at 8 p.m., regular hours will be 5 p.m.-late Monday through Thursday and from noon on Fridays through Sundays.
For further updates or information about Trailer Daddy’s offerings or events schedule visit their Instagram page.
