One of St. Augustine’s most revered restaurants has embarked on a new era as Purple Olive officially opened its doors at 828 Anastasia Boulevard on Friday.
The location, once home to the revered Gypsy Cab Company, has been transformed into a refreshed yet familiar gathering spot under the leadership of Chef Peter Kenney and his partner Kristen White.
Kenney, a fixture in St. Augustine’s dynamic culinary scene, has manned the ranges at many of the city’s most cherished kitchens, including Gypsy Cab Co. itself, La Parisienne, and Manatee Café.
Since opening the original Purple Olive all the way back in 2004, Kenney has drawn a devoted following for his novel menus and genial atmosphere.
“We approached this transition with a lot of thought and care,” said Kenney. “This building has a lot of memories for both of us as well as the community. We’re excited to bring new life to the space but keep the comfortable, neighborhood bistro feel.”
The new location, about a mile south of the Bridge of Lions, features 120 seats, an outdoor patio, and a full bar—a notable expansion from the original space.
Drawing on the site’s storied past, the team has introduced Pape’s Bar at Purple Olive, a debonair, Hemingway-inspired cocktail perch featuring small plates, sliders, and flatbreads.
The updated menu offers a mix of new creations and what Kenney calls his “Greatest Hits”—signature dishes spanning his 35-year career, including a few favorites from the original Gypsy Cab Co., with the blessing of his onetime culinary sensei, Chef Ned Pollack.
White, who brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience and previously owned St. Augustine icon Schmagel’s Bagels, is overseeing operations and catering.
The expanded kitchen will also allowsPurple Olive’s catering operation to grow, serving popular local venues like the Treasury on the Plaza, Lightner Museum, and River House.
