Ember & Iron, a restaurant chain recognized for its live-fire cooking style, has announced plans to open a new location in downtown St. Augustine. The establishment is scheduled to open in the summer of 2027 at 62 Spanish St., a property historically known as the Don Pedro Fornells House with roots in the Spanish colonial era.
The new venue will occupy a 9,546-square-foot building in the historic core of the city. The layout includes indoor seating for 200 guests and an additional 100 seats on an outdoor patio. A private dining room overlooking Hypolita Street will be available for events, accommodating up to 50 people. The space will also feature The Gun Shop, a 10-seat outdoor bar named after a former pistol shop that previously operated at the site.
Ember & Iron was founded by Michael and Brittany Cooney, who also own Gemma Fish + Oyster in Jacksonville’s San Marco district. Brittany Cooney is a native of St. Johns County and the sister of former Florida Gators basketball player Steffi Sorensen. The original Ember & Iron is located at the Shoppes of St. Johns, and the brand has also planned a site at The Village at Seven Pines in Jacksonville.
The Spanish Street property is owned by Len Weeks, a former St. Augustine mayor and historic preservation specialist. Weeks stated that the deal reflects growing confidence in the local dining market as more visitors seek higher-quality experiences. The menu at the new location will feature established items such as chimichurri steak, seared salmon, and ember-grilled shrimp.
