St. Petersburg, FL (March 13, 2026) – European Equities is pleased to announce the signing of a five-year lease agreement with Bank United, which will occupy a 1,350-square-foot space at Star Plaza in the heart of St. Petersburg’s dynamic Edge District. The lease was brokered by Chris Niewiarowski, who represented European Equities in the transaction.
Velvet Coupe will bring an intimate, lounge-style wine bar concept to Star Plaza, offering a cozy neighborhood setting centered around sustainably produced wines, champagne, beer, and a small rotating menu of plates. Led by co-owner and operator Dina Branham, the concept will feature a strong Italian influence, lounge-style seating, occasional tastings, and a wine-forward experience designed for guests to settle in, relax, and enjoy a high-quality glass of wine.
The concept is a streamlined evolution of Dina’s previous boutique wine shop and bar experience, with a greater focus on creating a relaxed, neighborhood-driven lounge rather than a traditional retail wine shop. Once open, Velvet Coupe is expected to offer a warm, elevated gathering place for residents, professionals, and visitors looking for a refined but approachable wine experience in the heart of St. Petersburg.
“Velvet Coupe is exactly the type of unique, local concept that adds energy and character to Star Plaza,” said Chris N., who brokered the transaction. “This intimate, wine-focused lounge is a great fit for the property and the surrounding St. Petersburg community.”
Star Plaza continues to build momentum as a vibrant destination for health, wellness, dining, boutique retail, and service-based businesses. The center is home to an established mix of local operators, including Bank United, Leann’s Nails, and Rare Body Studio, and has recently welcomed a growing roster of new concepts such as Velvet Coupe, Bouquet and Bordeaux, Central Express Vet, Peach Pump, and The Burg Nutrition.
Surrounded by more than 101,000 people and over 7,400 businesses within a five-mile radius, Star Plaza offers strong visibility, consistent daytime traffic, and a highly accessible location for retailers and service providers seeking to grow within one of St. Petersburg’s most active commercial corridors.
European Equities is a full-service, boutique real estate development company. European Equities, as a real estate broker and through its related construction and property management companies, provides complete and seamless services for the life of a project, beginning with project conception, through acquisition, planning and development, construction, leasing, property management, and ultimately divestment. Based in Clearwater, Florida, European Equities has provided its bespoke services throughout the United States for nearly a quarter of a century. For more information, contact European Equities at 727-723-3771 or info@europeanequities.com.