Built in 1929 at 123 4th Street South, the Tramor Cafeteria became one of downtown St. Petersburg’s most distinctive landmarks. Designed by local architects Elliott Hadley and Emil Nordstrom, the Mediterranean Revival building was created to feel like an old Spanish home.
Inside, diners encountered tile floors, stone columns, balconies and a colorful courtyard. But the real showstopper was overhead. The ceiling was painted blue with wispy white clouds, creating the illusion that diners were enjoying a meal outdoors in a Spanish courtyard.
The cafeteria opened in 1930 as Bob’s Cafeteria, became Holsum Cafeteria the following year and took the name Tramor in 1939.
During World War II, cafeterias like the Tramor became especially important as thousands of servicemen came to St. Petersburg for military training.
For generations, the Tramor was more than a place to eat. It was part of the experience of visiting St. Petersburg.
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