The Greyson brings drinks, eats and sports to second Manatee County restaurant location
You could describe The Greyson as a semi-upscale, casual, family-friendly sports restaurant and bar.
You could also say that it’s a high-energy place with an enthusiastic staff where music and sports are all going on at the same time.
Those are some of the words that partners Russell Matthes and Tom Halkidis use to describe The Greyson, which opened March 14 in the Lakewood Walk shopping center, 11161 State Road 70 E., #100, Lakewood Ranch.
It’s the second in a planned chain of restaurants. Matthes and Halkidis opened the first Greyson last May at 5045 96th St. E., Palmetto, near the southwest corner of Interstate 75 and Moccasin Wallow Road.
They are in talks to bring two more of The Greysons to Sarasota County.
The Lakewood Ranch store is in space occupied for more than a decade by Truman’s Tap & Grill, which closed last year.
The Greyson opens in Lakewood Ranch
It seemed like a natural place to grow, given the growth of the area as seen first-hand by Halkidis and his wife, Amber, who are Lakewood Ranch residents.
“We’re targeting families and sports enthusiasts. There are a lot of soccer and baseball fields out here,” Matthes said.
Including the patio, The new restaurant has seating for about 175. Each of the patio tables is under an umbrella. The owners are planning a canopy over the patio, which will make it more comfortable in all types of weather.
Inside, The Greyson has a contemporary industrial look with 28 large-screen TVs, making it possible to watch a game from any seat in the house.
The menu, which is subtitled “Greyson has the good stuff,” includes a variety of starters (mahi bites, meatball sliders, fried pickle chops, smoked fish dip and more), artisan flatbreads, handhelds, chicken sandwiches, burgers, tacos and salads.
Also, wings, chicken tenders and ribs.
Prices for the sandwiches and handhelds are roughly in the $14 to $15 range.
Monday, The Greyson was advertising as its weekly special a steak fajita wrap with grilled onions, grilled peppers, cheddar jack cheese, lettuce, salsa and sour cream for $14.50.
“We have outstanding food and great reviews,” Matthes said. “Everyone we talk to says the area needed something like this. Everyone has been excited when they come in.”
Jake Francis, the bar manager at The Greyson, said the store opening was one of the smoothest and easiest that he has seen.
Being a sports bar, The Greyson also offers a full bar with cocktails, wines and beer in bottles and cans or on tap. Happy hour is 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
What to know
▪ Name: The Greyson
▪ Address: 11161 State Road 70 E., #100, Lakewood Ranch
▪ Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
▪ Phone: (941) 755-5050
▪ Online: https://greysonbar.com/
This story was originally published March 18, 2024 at 3:31 PM with the headline "The Greyson brings drinks, eats and sports to second Manatee County restaurant location."
