Linger Restaurant in St. Pete Announces Its Final Week of Service

In a bittersweet announcement, Linger Restaurant in St. Pete has revealed that it has reached full capacity for its final week of service and will no longer be accepting additional reservations. The restaurant's owner, Chef Jeffrey Jew, has decided to close the doors after five incredible years of serving the community.

'We have made so many memories here at Linger, and we will continue to do so until our last day,' said Jew in a statement. 'Our success is a testament to our amazing employees and fabulous customers.'

Linger, which translates to 'belonging to' or 'coming or descending from' in Nordic, has been a staple of St. Pete's culinary scene since 2017. Chef Jew drew inspiration from his Norwegian mother and Chinese father to create a unique menu that blends contemporary Norwegian and Asian fusion flavors.

The restaurant's closure marks the end of an era for Linger, but it is not without purpose. Chef Jew has made the difficult decision to prioritize his family's well-being, particularly his mother who is struggling with Lewy body dementia. 'During illness and family emergencies, I have always counseled my employees that their health and family are more important than Linger,' said Jew.

Linger has been a labor of love for Chef Jew, who has had an illustrious career in the culinary world, including appearances on Bravo's Top Chef and Food Network's Guy's Grocery Games. The restaurant has also played a significant role in supporting the local community through its involvement with events and initiatives that promote mental health awareness.

As Linger serves its final meals this Saturday, the St. Pete community will bid farewell to a beloved institution. However, Chef Jew is looking forward to maintaining strong ties with his customers and continuing to contribute to the city's vibrant food scene in new ways.

'We have been fortunate to be part of the growth and evolution of St. Pete's local food scene over the years,' said Jew. 'Community involvement is very important in the chef and restaurant community, just being there for one another and also being able to teach the future of the industry at the same time.

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