It was incorrectly reported in a local news outlet a couple of days ago that Buya Ramen was “to close permanently” because they “could not come to terms on a lease renewal”.
I spoke to the Owner/Founder of Buya, Michael Sponaugle, via telephone yesterday. They already have a new location in downtown St. Pete that cannot yet be revealed, but it is a high rise that is soon to open.
They are actually leaving their original spot at 911 Central Avenue on amicable terms with their landlord. The lease was to renew in January, but closing now gives Buya time to work on the new space sooner, and the landlord time to show the space to potential new tenants.
When Buya opened in 2016, the average St. Pete diner had no idea what izakaya meant, and many only knew of ramen as instant noodles that come in a styrofoam cup.
St. Petersburg is Buya’s original home. The city has had tremendous growth, and residents and visitors palates have become more sophisticated. Buya needs to grow along with its hometown, but the original location wouldn’t allow for that growth.
Work is expected to start within the next three to four months, and the new, larger downtown location with a brand new custom exhibition kitchen, and expanded menu is expected to open in summer 2026.
Ramen will remain the core focus and more small plates, skewers, and Japanese tapas (sometimes called “Japas”) will be added.
In the end, the original Buya location is not closing because of low sales, or not being able to get a new lease. It’s all about the opportunity to grow in a new larger exciting location in a brand new tower in downtown St. Pete.
After nine years Buya Ramen closes original St. Pete Edge District location to move to new tower in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.
