Alex Chamberlain, currently chef de cuisine at Michelin-starred Kōsen in Tampa, is exiting that kitchen to take the helm at Mei, a new French-Nordic-Japanese restaurant slated to open this spring in downtown St. Petersburg. The move brings serious culinary pedigree to St. Pete’s already surging dining core and marks another expansion play by Omei Restaurant Group.
According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Chamberlain will leave Kōsen to lead Mei, which the outlet describes as a blend of French technique, a Nordic ethos and Japanese ingredients. The Business Journal reports that Mei is expected to open this spring at 320 Third St. S in downtown St. Pete and that it is being developed by the same team behind Kōsen.
Chef's background and pedigree
Chamberlain’s résumé highlights classical French and Nordic training, including a stint at Beckon in Denver, along with his current role as chef de cuisine at Kōsen, according to Kōsen’s website. Kōsen itself is recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, which illustrates the level of experience Chamberlain is bringing across the bay to Mei.
Omei Group and the concept
The new restaurant is a project of Omei Restaurant Group, an Orlando-based operator behind Kōsen and several other regional concepts that has been building tasting-menu and omakase-style experiences across Florida. Local coverage has followed Omei’s steady push into the Tampa Bay market and its focus on high-end, chef-driven venues, context that helps explain the relatively fast ramp-up behind Mei.
What to expect
Mei is targeting a spring opening, although the team has not yet shared a full menu, reservation details or a firm launch date. The Tampa Bay Business Journal notes that specifics are still scarce. Based on Chamberlain’s training and Omei’s recent projects, locals can likely look for a tasting-focused format built around seasonal ingredients and polished technique.
Downtown St. Petersburg has been drawing more ambitious restaurant concepts in recent years, and a hire like Chamberlain’s signals deeper cross-pollination between Tampa and St. Pete kitchens. Coverage of Michelin’s growing interest in the Tampa Bay area has helped elevate the region’s culinary profile and, in turn, may make downtown St. Pete a more appealing landing spot for chefs developing niche, specialty-driven dining rooms.
