A Palmetto pizzeria has closed. But something new is coming soon
A popular local chicken restaurant is adding a new location.
Jaxx Wing Co. recently announced on social media that it is opening a restaurant at 4927 96th St. E. in Palmetto.
It will replace Gianni’s Pizza Express, which closed this month. The pizzeria opened in 2024, next to Corporate Ladder Brewing Company in a shopping center just south of Moccasin Wallow Road and west of Interstate 75.
The plaza is also home to American Honey Creamery and Coffee Co.
“Looking for a second location was always the plan,” Jaxx Wing Co. owner-operator Joshua Hatch said. “And looking for that third and fourth location is also a plan as well.”
It’s the second Jaxx Wing Co. location. The first one opened in September 2024 at 316 Old Main St. in downtown Bradenton. Hatch also owns Jaxx Sports Bar & Grill, 1035 Hasko Road, Palmetto.
When will Jaxx Wing Co. open in Palmetto?
Hatch said they are hoping to open the new restaurant by Dec. 1.
Unlike the downtown Bradenton location, Hatch said the Palmetto storefront is virtually move-in ready.
“Because there’s not any construction that has to be done, I am waiting on a license and I’m waiting on some equipment to be delivered and that’s it,” Hatch said. “This one is slap some paint up on the walls, throw our logos up and prep some staff and (we’re) ready to go,” Hatch said.
If they can’t open by Dec. 1, Hatch said they will wait until Jan. 1.
What’s on the menu?
The menu will mirror the downtown Bradenton location.
The jumbo wings are a menu staple. Other items include salads, a burger that is handmade every morning and sandwiches such as the Jaxx-Fil-A and Chicken Philly.
Since announcing the move on social media, Hatch said they’ve received positive feedback and people are excited.
“I can’t go anywhere without someone asking me about it,” Hatch said.
What is happening to Gianni’s?
The Gianni’s brand is not going away, either. The owners announced the Palmetto restaurant’s closure on social media on Oct. 12.
But their original location, Gianni’s Pizza & More, remains open at 4925 E. State Road 64 in Bradenton.
“All gift cards and reward points still work at Gianni’s Pizza & More,” the social media post said.
Gianni’s Pizza & More is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Visit GiannisBradenton.Pizza for more info.
Pizzeria owners help Jaxx expand
Hatch said one of the Gianni’s owners, Todd Surdez, reached out to let him know that they were thinking of closing their Palmetto location in case he was interested in the space.
Hatch had previously eyed the space before Gianni’s opened there.
“I was actually at a food show out in Fort Lauderdale and was mentioning, ‘Oh man, I was looking at the space and I had to have been a week or two late because now there’s a pizza shop going in there and I missed out,’” Hatch said. “And Todd was standing right next to me and I did not know it was his.”
What to expect at Jaxx Wing Co. in Palmetto
Like Jaxx Wing Co. in downtown Bradenton, the new location will be fitted for grab-and-go, fast-casual dining. Hatch said they plan to have three to five tables and a small bar with four to six seats.
“Just depending on what I can do with fire code,” Hatch said.
In addition to the food and fast-casual dining experience, the new Jaxx Wing Co. will serve beer and wine, but it will not be a full liquor bar.
For a full sports bar experience, Hatch recommends checking out the Hasko Road restaurant.
“The Sports Bar is come in, we want you there all day, hang out, watch TV, get comfortable,” Hatch said. “(An) inviting sports atmosphere.”
Visit JaxxWingCo.com for more info.
