After live music dispute, Bradenton restaurant relocates to start a new chapter
A restaurant and music venue in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts is moving after the owner says conflicts with neighbors were ruining the fun.
Dave Shiplett opened Cottonmouth Southern Soul Food in 2020, transforming a 900-square-foot house at 1114 12th St. W. into a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and weekly live music performances.
“I am not doing it for the money. I honest to God do it because I love music,” Shiplett told the Bradenton Herald at the time.
But the shows eventually led to conflict with neighbors.
“I was loving life until this happened, and then every night was going to be an issue,” Shiplett said.
Earlier this year, Bradenton City Council got involved, unanimously siding with Shiplett and allowing live music to continue at Cottonmouth.
However, Shiplett said that hasn’t been enough to ease tensions.
“Somehow I woke up one day and realized that you’re still going to have the same neighbors,” Shiplett said. “I’m 67, and I’m too old to live life that way with a neighbor that’s constantly calling code enforcement and the fire marshal and fighting you tooth and nail.”
Cottomouth’s last day in the Village was Saturday, when it hosted blues rock musician Damon Fowler for a farewell show.
Cottonmouth owner unveils new plans for restaurant and venue
Fortunately, fans of the restaurant and music venue won’t have to go far.
Shiplett says Cottonmouth is moving about a half-mile south of its previous location as part of a new partnership with Flamingo Bay Brewing Company at 1910 14th St. W., Bradenton.
Cottonmouth will occupy a space next door to the beer maker.
“The restaurant will have a storefront as well as be connected, so we’ll be a constant source of food coming for the brewery,” Shiplett said.
Finding a new place
During the dispute over live music in the Village of the Arts, Shiplett says he began testing live music and food at Flamingo Bay Brewing.
He said Cottonmouth lost some money at first, but then found a groove.
“That’s when I went to them and said, ‘Hey, listen, if you build a stage and some structures and so some landscaping where we make this beer garden into something nice, I’ll move over here permanently,’” Shiplett said.
Cottonmouth began its partnership at Flamingo Bay on Saturday, which coincided with its last day in the village.
The restaurant will continue with select event dates throughout the summer. By October, Shiplett hopes to be open full-time during Flamingo Bay’s operating hours, Wednesdays through Sundays.
What to expect at the new Cottonmouth
Shiplett is planning to tweak Cottonmouth’s menu slightly with tacos, collared greens and other Southern-style staples.
Other plans for the partnership, include: live music, Flamingo Bay’s locally crafted beer selections, community events, festivals and special performances.
Exact opening dates, entertainment schedules and more will be announced through Cottonmouth’s social media channels.
For more information, visit www.CottonMouthSoul.com and www.FlamingoBayBrewingCo.com.
