Stann's on 5th to Reopen as L5 Bistro Friday

Stann's on 5th, the entertainment themed eatery with a 60s-70s vibe, had a brief but memorable stint at 155 Fifth Avenue North.

But with the business abruptly closing this month due to Stann Cherniack's health, property owner Paul Smith is moving forward by developing that corner the way he believes it was meant to be.

According to Smith, L5 Bistro, a cozy establishment that will feature food, wine and smooth jazz music, will open at the location this Friday.

"I'm trying to make Safety Harbor beautiful on my little corner here," Smith, who has owned the adjacent Paul's of Safety Harbor salon for the last 15 years, told Patch.

"I feel blessed to be able to enjoy this little space in the Harbor."

The news caps off a whirlwind few months for the spot, starting when Cherniack opened what was then known as Woodstock on 5th back in March.

But repeated noise complaints and a forced name change followed by the news that Stann had cancer brought the enterprise to a screeching halt after just three months in business.

"It's unfortunate Stann got sick," Smith said. "He put a lot of time, money and effort into the place."

Cherniack's chef, Paul Tavares, immediately jumped up and said he hoped to keep the restaurant, if not the theme, alive.

Smith agreed to allow Tavares to stay on and handle the food side of the operation while he redesigned the restaurant.

"Chef Paul is a very big part of what we're doing," Smith said. "He will be carrying on what he was doing in regards to the food."

The new menu features items such as smoked salmon, lobster ravioli, seared Ahi tuna and grouper ceviche; the bistro will be open for dinner five days a week, but Smith plans to add a Sunday brunch in the future.

Smith said he hopes L5's relaxed atmosphere, elegant decor and wine and music will help make the place a perfect fit for the neighborhood.

And he promises there will be no bike nights or loud music at the corner anymore.

“We’re going to have a nice atmosphere with good food, quiet jazz and nice wines,” he said.

"I think it will be more conducive to this area of Safety Harbor."