SkyBar + Grille at SkyBeach Resort: How GoTab Empowers a Florida Waterfront Destination from Beachfront to Barstool

SkyBeach Resort, a newly reimagined historic resort located in St. Petersburg, Florida, is anything but ordinary. Tucked into the sun-soaked Skyway Marina District, this recently renovated 18-acre property offers guests a front-row seat to the Gulf’s coastal charm. With sweeping views of Tampa Bay, a private beach, a state of the art  marina, and a vibrant new restaurant scene, the resort is quickly becoming one of Florida’s most talked-about getaways. 

As the resort prepares for high season, the energy is unmistakable. Guests arrive seeking both relaxation and entertainment. What they find is a destination that blends effortless hospitality with modern convenience. At the center of it all is SkyBar + Grille, a two-story open-air restaurant and bar that has become the resort’s signature experience. Refreshing cocktails, ocean breezes, and live music set the tone, but behind the seamless guest flow is a digital system driving every interaction.

That system is GoTab.

More than a point-of-sale platform, GoTab helps SkyBeach meet guests exactly where they are. Whether ordering drinks poolside, dining in a cabana, or relaxing in their room, guests have the freedom to browse menus, place orders, and charge everything to their account with ease.

“GoTab allows us to meet the guests wherever they are,” said Sean Zack, SkyBeach’s Food and Beverage Manager. “From the moment they check in, they can order poolside, in their rooms, or at the bar without friction. It’s a seamless experience that matches the vibe we’re creating.”

With GoTab fully integrated into daily operations, SkyBar’s staff can stay mobile, efficient, and focused on delivering high-quality service. For a resort that is building momentum heading into its busiest season, that kind of technology is not just helpful; it is essential.

A Tech-Forward Hospitality Experience

SkyBar + Grille uses GoTab in a variety of ways that enhance both guest experience and team efficiency. 

• QR codes are placed in high-traffic areas, including guest rooms, poolside cabanas, and the beachfront. 
• Guests can scan a code and place an order instantly, choosing from a curated menu of coastal bites and creative cocktails. The system automatically routes the order to the staff member assigned to that specific zone.

“If a guest places an order from a cabana while their server is away, GoTab still links that order to the correct team member,” Zack explained. “As soon as we receive the notification, we prepare the order with care and deliver it promptly to the guest—ensuring a seamless and effortless experience.”

This smart routing has helped eliminate service gaps during peak times and allows servers to cover more ground without sacrificing attention or speed. It also helps staff stay organized and confident during rushes, knowing that orders are reaching the right hands at the right time.

Supporting Multiple Concepts, Seamlessly

SkyBeach is a multi-outlet property, and GoTab is already in place at several key service points. SkyBar + Grille and in-room dining  service currently lead the way, but the system will soon power SouthSide Sports and SouthSeas Tapas, a new upscale restaurant and cocktail lounge, that is expected to open in Fall of  2025. 

As the resort grows, GoTab grows with it. The modular nature of the platform makes it easy to introduce new locations and train staff quickly.

“From the debut of the Salty Pelican, our wellness-driven food truck, to an upscale restaurant and cocktail lounge on the horizon, every outlet is powered by GoTab,” said Zack. 

Local visitors can utilize SkyBeach’s pools, daybeds and private cabanas through ResortPass, and SkyBar + Grille is open to everyone, and features live music Friday through Sunday.

Integrated, Mobile, and Efficient

SkyBar + Grille staff use handheld POS devices, which means there’s no need to run back and forth to a stationary terminal. Orders are taken on the spot, tickets are fired immediately, and bartenders or kitchen staff can see everything in real time through their KDS stations.

GoTab is also fully integrated with the resort’s property management system, Mews. That allows guests to charge food and drinks directly to their rooms. It’s as simple as scanning a QR code, placing the order, and then giving a name or room number. The charge shows up on the guest’s final bill, making for a smooth checkout experience.

“Room charge has made a meaningful impact," Zack shared. "It enhances guest convenience while keeping operations effortlessly connected."

A Story of Resilience and Rebuilding

SkyBeach officially opened in July 2024 after an extensive renovation. Then, just weeks later, Hurricanes Idalia and Milton swept through the region, leaving many properties out of commission. SkyBar + Grille, with its elevated second floor, stood strong.

The lower levels sustained some damage, but the team wasted no time springing into action to begin immediate repairs. 

“We were one of the few destinations still open, and we became a hub for displaced guests and team members,” Zack shared. “GoTab helped us keep up with the demand while still delivering quality service.”

Both levels of SkyBar + Grille are open, bringing the venue back to full capacity just in time for the summer rush.

Looking Ahead

SkyBeach has even bigger plans on the horizon. A new elevated restaurant, SouthSeas Tapas, will pay tribute to the property’s Polynesian roots when it opens later this year. The team is also exploring deeper inventory and beverage tracking solutions using GoTab’s integrations and support from systems like Opsi and WISK.

“We're just getting started,” said Zack. “GoTab is part of how we plan and scale.”

SkyBeach Resort offers travelers the best of both worlds. It is peaceful and quiet, set on a private beach, but still just minutes away from downtown St. Petersburg’s nightlife, restaurants, and attractions. Whether guests come for the calm or the cocktails, GoTab ensures their experience is modern, memorable, and friction-free.

“St. Pete is a place for the dreamers, creatives, and doers to find their groove, SkyBeach Resort is where they can unwind,”  Zack said. “With GoTab, we provide top-tier guest experiences while maintaining smooth, efficient operations.”

Key Takeaways

• Venue: SkyBar + Grille at SkyBeach Resort, St. Petersburg, Florida
  
  
• Opened: July 2024 
  
  
• GoTab Tools Used: QR code ordering, handheld POS devices, KDS systems, Mews PMS integration
  
  
• Results: Rapid post-hurricane recovery, increased guest satisfaction, scalable service across multiple resort outlets
  
  
• Why It Works: GoTab empowers SkyBar + Grille’s  mobile, guest-first model by connecting service zones with location-aware tech, real-time routing, and seamless room-charge integration.
  
  
• The Future Is Flexible: Resorts are increasingly adopting hybrid service models that blend technological convenience with luxury hospitality. Implementing mobile POS systems, self-ordering capabilities, and PMS-integrated platforms like GoTab is redefining operational excellence across multi-outlet properties. Guests now anticipate seamless service experiences, whether they're lounging poolside, relaxing on the beach, or unwinding in their rooms. GoTab equips resorts with the tools to meet these evolving expectations, ensuring efficient and personalized service delivery.

‍