Barbecue pitmaster Ray Lampe, better known as Dr. BBQ, is bringing a tiki-themed restaurant to the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach later this year, combining smoked meats with tropical cocktails and island-inspired dishes.

The new restaurant, Squiki Tiki, will open at the resort at 100 Coronado Drive, I Love the Burg reported. October reports indicated a December opening, although the resort's website now advertises a November debut. No specific opening date has been announced.

Once open, Squiki Tiki is expected to operate daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Barbecue meets tiki-inspired dining

Lampe's menu will feature traditional barbecue favorites, including pulled pork sandwiches and St. Louis-style ribs, alongside dishes such as burnt ends bao buns and smoked shrimp summer rolls.

Tropical cocktails will complement the food.

"Our hope is that guests and locals alike can relax, unwind and escape to an island oasis at Squiki Tiki," Lampe said in the resort's announcement.

The restaurant's design will feature bamboo accents, thatched roofing, lounge seating and string lights to create a casual tropical atmosphere.

Squiki Tiki will join the resort's existing dining options, including Ocean Hai, an Asian-fusion restaurant, and Dock's Pool Bar & Grill.

Lampe returns to Tampa Bay restaurant scene

Lampe, a barbecue competition veteran, cookbook author and television personality, previously operated Dr. BBQ at 1101 Central Ave. in downtown St. Petersburg.

The restaurant opened in 2018 through a collaboration with Datz Hospitality Group and closed Dec. 29, 2022, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay reported.

The St. Petersburg restaurant also featured a second-floor tiki bar called Burnt Ends, reflecting Lampe's longtime interest in combining barbecue with tiki culture.

His new Clearwater Beach venture will bring that combination to a beachfront resort setting.

Festival offers preview of new restaurant

Residents and visitors will have an opportunity to sample Squiki Tiki's food before the restaurant opens.

The concept is scheduled to participate in the Savor St. Pete food and wine festival Nov. 7–8 at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg.

The festival appearance will offer an early introduction to Lampe's new menu while the resort prepares for the restaurant's opening.