Anna Maria Oyster Bar to open 2 new locations: One on University and Sarasota’s first
There is a fifth Anna Maria Oyster Bar coming to the Bradenton area, and a sixth is planned for Sarasota — that county’s first.
The newest AMOB, owned and operated by John and Amanda Horne, is going into space previously occupied by Newk’s Eatery in The Square at University Town Center, 5405 University Parkway.
Newk’s, which operated out of 4,500-square-foot space since 2016, closed over the weekend.
“We have negotiated a lease with Benderson Development to take over that space. We are going to be able to keep most of their staff,” John Horne said Monday.
“We are hoping to open in the fall, but there is quite a bit of remodeling to do there. Newk’s was counter service with no bar,” Horne said.
And supply chain issues can make any plan subject to change.
The new AMOB would seat about 270 inside and out, and will be a little larger than the Cortez restaurant and a little smaller than the Ellenton restaurant, Horne said.
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar franchise was born in 1995 when John Horne took over the Fast Eddie’s restaurant in Bradenton Beach, which became the The Pier at 200 Bridge St.
In 1997, he added the Landside restaurant at 6906 14th St. W.; followed by the Cortez location at 6696,Cortez Road W. in 2002, and the Ellenton location at 1525 51st Ave. E. in 2003.
Asked whether there might be more AMOBs planned, Horne replied “you bet.”
He is in talks with Benderson Development for a space in Sarasota County.
On Feb. 1, the Hornes also acquired the “grande dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe, 431 St. Armand’s Circle.
The front section of Café L’Europe was the original sales office for John Ringling.
House specialties at Café L’Europe include Dover sole meuniere, Chateaubriand and shrimp Pernod served tableside, potato-crusted grouper, and French onion soup served in an onion.
The Hornes are known for their community activism. John Horne recently competed his term as chairman of Leadership Florida. He and Amanda are strong supporters of Dive into Reading and Pace Center for Girls.
John Horne is also active with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.
This story was originally published June 27, 2022 at 3:12 PM.
