Buya Ramen’s upcoming move has been widely misunderstood following a recent report suggesting the restaurant was “closing permanently” due to an inability to renew its lease. That information is incorrect.

According to owner and founder Michael Sponaugle, Buya Ramen is relocating—not shutting down. In a recent phone conversation, he confirmed that the team has already secured a new location in downtown St. Petersburg. While details have not yet been publicly released, the new space will be located in an upcoming high-rise development set to open soon.

Buya is leaving its original location at 911 Central Avenue on good terms with its landlord. Although the lease renewal was scheduled for January, closing now allows the team to focus on building out the new space sooner, while also giving the landlord time to prepare the property for future tenants.

When Buya first opened in 2016, many local diners were unfamiliar with concepts like izakaya-style dining, and ramen was often associated with instant noodles. Since then, St. Petersburg has experienced significant growth, and the local dining scene has evolved alongside it. As tastes have become more refined, Buya has outgrown its original space and is looking to expand in both size and concept.

Construction on the new location is expected to begin within the next three to four months, with a projected opening in summer 2026. The larger space will feature a custom exhibition kitchen and an expanded menu.

Ramen will remain the centerpiece of Buya’s offerings, but the new concept will introduce a broader selection of small plates, skewers, and Japanese tapas, often referred to as “japas.”

Ultimately, Buya Ramen’s move is not the result of financial difficulty or lease issues. Instead, it reflects an opportunity to grow and evolve in a larger, more dynamic setting within downtown St. Petersburg.

After nine years in the Edge District, Buya Ramen is preparing for its next chapter in a new downtown tower.