Linger Lodge, Tommy Bahama, Veg, The Shack Marina: Restaurant News

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

Seafood Shack Marina Hits the Market

The Shack, a Cortez landmark since 1971 that was previously known as the Seafood Shack, is on the market.

No price is listed for the business at 4110 127th Street W., according to Coldwell Banker Commercial’s listing for the property.

The fully operational marina and restaurant has ancillary income streams from jet ski rentals and additional land for the expansion of wet slips and dry boat storage.

The deadline for offers was Monday.

“A number of marina and restaurant owners have expressed interest and have flown in to look at the property. It could be a redevelopment opportunity or could continue as a restaurant and marina operation,” Elliott Rose with Coldwell Banker told the Bradenton Herald. “The response has been overwhelming. Really quality people from around the country are aware of our area. It’s an iconic waypoint for boaters. There are never enough boat slips.”

Veg Closing, for Sale in Sarasota

A vegan- and vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood is on the market.
Veg, located at 6538 Gateway Ave., will close its doors for good on or before July 1, owner Mindy Hassett wrote in her retirement announcement on the eatery’s Facebook page.

“I’ve worked very hard these past years trying to make delicious vegan food for everyone. I’ve raised my children, during that 10 years who are now both young adults. I survived the pandemic by moving my restaurant and doing what I needed to do to keep things going. To keep a roof over mine and my children’s head. I am a single mother and I turned 50 this year. I am ready to try something else,” she wrote.

Potential buyers can take over Veg as is or purchase the turnkey restaurant fully equipped and ready for new ideas, she said.

Savor Sarasota Returns

Savor Sarasota, the annual Sarasota-area restaurant week, will run June 1-14, according to the Visit Sarasota website.

The week features prix-fixe, multi-course lunch and dinner menus for $25 and $40 per person at dozens of restaurants.

Find a full list of participating Sarasota County restaurants here.

Tommy Bahama Opening in Lakewood Ranch

The Tommy Bahama brand is opening its seventh Marlin Bar concept in Florida in a new Lakewood Ranch development, the Center Point at Waterside.

The bar will open in the second quarter of 2024, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.
A Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar — a separate concept — is located in Sarasota’s St. Armands Circle.

“Florida is a big part of our heritage and the essence of Tommy Bahama," CEO Doug Wood said in a statement. "We're excited to expand our Marlin Bar concept here. Over the last 30 years, we have seen how our guests enjoy shopping at Tommy Bahama when it is combined with a restaurant. It's one of the ways Tommy Bahama is different from other lifestyle brands. We developed the Marlin Bar concept to create a more casual way for our guests to enjoy the Tommy Bahama shopping and dining experience.”

Dog Bar Opening in Sarasota

Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar will be opening later this month in The Rosemary District, the bar wrote in a Facebook post.

The pup-friendly establishment will open its doors at 1314 10th Street.

“Remember - your dog must be a paid member to come to Boo’s. We have Founding Pack member pricing to start with great perks (like a free drink a month for a year - pays for the membership,)” according to the Facebook post.

Dogs that are registered members will be invited to a free soft opening event.

“Others will have to wait until we officially open to the public later this month. Sign up now at www.boosdogbar.com,” the bar wrote. “Meanwhile, Boo is putting the final preps in place. Here he is, testing the new doggy playscapes!”

Linger Lodge Has New Owner

Bradenton’s iconic Linger Lodge has a new owner and it’s someone who knows the business well - the restaurant’s longtime employee Rita Lewis.

The 64-year-old has held various positions over the past 14 years, starting in the kitchen and working her way to chef and, more recently, general manager, according to the Bradenton Herald.

She bought the eatery and RV campground from its most recent owners, Mike Bennett, a former state senator and the current Manatee County supervisor of elections, and his partner, Marvin Kaplan, who bought the business in 2005.