Music man: Restaurateur looks to add pitch-perfect venue to city

Although Tampa Bay’s tourism and hospitality industry staggers along under operating restrictions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, a St. Petersburg entrepreneur is forging ahead with plans to open a karaoke club and restaurant in the Sunshine City’s Grand Central District. 

Lucas Herraiz, a restaurateur who hails from France, signed a lease for 2324 Central Ave., which had been occupied by a Taco Bus restaurant. He plans to launch LALA St. Pete there, a 4,500-square-foot establishment inspired by the wildly popular private karaoke rooms in Japan becoming increasingly prevalent in Europe.