Which Bradenton-area restaurants closed in 2024? Local favorites that said farewell
Bradenton and Manatee County lost some iconic local restaurants in 2024.
They include waterside dining locations that have attracted visitors for decades and popular spots for eating breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Here’s a look at the local favorites that said farewell this year — plus some temporarily closed restaurants that promise to return soon.
Bradenton area restaurants that closed in 2024
Birdrock Taco Shack, 1213 13th Ave. W., Bradenton: This colorful cottage-turned-taco hot spot was a favorite eatery and live music venue in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts community from 2016 to 2024.
It served up a menu of creative craft tacos that incorporated flavors from around the world, plus burritos, sides and craft beer.
Chef and owner David Shiplett announced the restaurant’s closure over the summer.
Thankfully, fans of Birdrock can still enjoy Shiplett’s culinary visions at his other Village of the Arts restaurant, Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, 1114 12th St. W., Bradenton.
Opened in 2020, Cottonmouth serves creative takes on down-home dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, biscuits and collard greens. It also continues the Birdrock tradition of hosting live music with frequent blues and jazz shows.
Caddy’s Bradenton, 801 Riverside Drive E., Bradenton: Opened in 2017, Caddy’s was a haven for tropical drinks and dining alongside the Manatee River.
But after the restaurant sustained major damage from Hurricane Milton, including a destroyed tiki bar, the owners decided to close permanently.
Caddy’s Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, John’s Pass and Treasure Island locations in Pinellas County were also damaged by hurricanes and remain temporarily closed, according to the restaurant’s website.
The Bradenton location was previously home to Tarpon Pointe Grill & Tiki Bar, which closed in 2016.
The Sea Hut, 5611 U.S. 19, Palmetto: One of Manatee County’s oldest operating seafood restaurants closed this year.
The Sea Hut restaurant in the Terra Ceia area had roots dating back to 1971 and was known for its seafood fare and Old Florida charm.
After struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation, the restaurant closed in January and rebranded as The Catcher’s Net, adding sports bar items to the menu.
But the restaurant was closed again in August and put up for sale or lease, according to the business’s Facebook page.
Main Street Trattoria, 8131 Lakewood Main St., Lakewood Ranch: Main Street Trattoria opened in 2010 on Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street, bringing modern takes on Italian cuisine and a place to socialize over martinis and glasses of wine.
After nearly 14 years in business, the restaurant was listed for sale and purchased by new owners in the summer of 2024. But Italian fare will continue to be served in the popular downtown spot.
The new owners, Evan Percoco and Zach Zeller of EZ Restaurant Group, revamped the restaurant and reopened it as Percoco’s Pizza and Pasta in August.
Peach’s Restaurant, 7315 52nd Place E., Bradenton, 2207 60th Ave. E., Ellenton and 3240 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach: Popular local breakfast, brunch and lunch chain Peach’s shuttered three of its Bradenton-area locations in 2024.
After serving customers for over 20 years, the Ellenton and Holmes Beach locations were closed in June after the restaurants’ leases expired.
The Bradenton location’s closure followed in August after damage from Hurricane Helene.
But diners can still enjoy Peach’s menu of egg dishes, pancakes, salads, soups, sandwiches and more at five other local restaurants:
- 3201 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton
- 5240 State Road 64, Bradenton
- 6386 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota
- 4292 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
- 1230 Jacaranda Blvd., Venice
The Seafood Shack, 4110 127th St. W., Cortez: This nautical restaurant and marina in the fishing village of Cortez reflected the community’s deep ties to the water.
Opened in 1972, The Seafood Shack offered Intercoastal views and a menu of seafood favorites and tropical drinks.
The original owner, Ham Jones, sold the restaurant and marina to Canadian developer Vandyk Properties in 2014.
After 10 years, the company decided to sell the marina and restaurant property to Manatee County Government for the creation of a new public boat ramp. Plans for the Seafood Shack restaurant’s building have not yet been decided, a Manatee County spokesperson previously told the Bradenton Herald.
Other local restaurants that closed in 2024:
Buffalo Wild Wings, 4230 14th St. W., Bradenton
Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs, 5726 Ranch Lake Blvd., Lakewood Ranch
WingHouse Bar & Grill, 5105 14th St. W., Bradenton
Temporarily closed restaurants
Rod & Reel Pier: This hangout for cold beer, casual food, fishing and wildlife watching at the northern tip of Anna Maria Island was wiped off the map by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
But owner Oliver Lemke says he plans to rebuild and reopen the pier. A timeline has not yet been announced, but a crowdfunding effort to support the pier’s revival has raised over $84,000.
Kefi Streetside Cafe, 1201 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton: Kefi Streetside Cafe served up Greek street food eats from a former bank teller window in the Connect Central building in downtown Bradenton from 2021 to May 2024.
The business is temporarily closed as work is completed on a new indoor restaurant inside the Connect Central building. Kefi owners previously said the restaurant is expected to reopen before the end of 2024.
Did we miss a local restaurant that closed in 2024? Send an email with details to rballogg@bradenton.com.