Godson’s, Miller’s Ale House, Daiquiri Deck, Marcello: Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Here's the latest restaurant and bar news in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Daiquiri Deck Is Raising Funds for Southeastern Guide Dogs

Daiquiri Deck has partnered with Southeastern Guide Dogs with a goal to raise $50,000 for National Guide Dog Month in September through its Daiquiris for Dogs program.

Launching Sept. 1 and running through the end of the month, patrons that visit any of the five Daiquiri Deck locations can round up their checks to donate to Southeastern Guide Dogs, according to a news release from the chain. A QR code will also be available so guests can donate a custom amount of their own.

Throughout the month of September, Daiquiri Deck will also offer a drink special to coincide with the Daiquiris for Dogs program, which includes a $3 Teremana Tooter to compliment any daiquiri. Several events will also be held throughout the month to benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs, and dogs are encouraged to visit the various Daiquiri Deck locations.

“Our hope is to raise $10,000 at each of our five locations for a grand total of $50,000,” Matt Grover, co-owner of Daiquiri Deck, said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Southeastern Guide Dogs, and our team is working hard to help spread awareness to support the amazing work they do in our community and beyond.”

The top donor of the month, nicknamed the Top Dog, will receive a VIP tour of the Southeastern Guide Dog facility in Palmetto, a photo opportunity with a puppy in training, and a meet and greet session with a recipient of a guide dog.

Restaurant Wins Prestigious Wine Award

Sarasota’s Marcello Ristorante Italiano was honored with the “Best of the Award of Excellence,” from Wine Spectator magazine, according to Sarasota Magazine.

In this prestigious annual competition, the magazine reviews restaurants wine lists, judging them for quantity (they need to have a minimum of 350 wines), depth and uniqueness.

Valrico-Based Mexican Restaurant Opening Longboat Key Location

La Villa Mexican Grill in Valrico will open a second location Saturday in Longboat Key, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. A friend of the owners suggested they open in the area.

"He came the third time, and he was like, ‘You have to go see the place,’" Estella Villegas, whose family owns the restaurant, said. "I was like, ‘OK, I will go next time.’ And I came and I fell in love with the place, and I was lucky to find this spot.”

Miller’s Ale House Returning to Bradenton Area

Fans of Miller’s Ale House will be excited to learn that the restaurant chain is returning to the Bradenton area with plans to open at 7175 State Road 64 E., the Bradenton Herald reported.

Godson’s Pizza House Opens

Godson’s Pizza House recently opened in the former location of Demetrios’ Pizza House in Bradenton, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

Godson’s owner, Philip Chaltis, worked as Demetrios’ as a teenager.

“I want to honor the history of Demetrios' and carry on their tradition of giving back to the community,” he said. “We are keeping signature items liked the popular cheese bread and lasagna while also focusing on the future with some special new items.”