Popular Bradenton seafood restaurants closing due to COVID-19. They aren’t the only ones
Rather than trying to survive on to-go orders only, some local restaurant owners are closing up shop to wait out the end of the coronavirus crisis.
All four Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations will close as of 7 p.m. Friday, owner John Horne announced in a press release. Up to now, the restaurants have been offering takeout, and two locations offered delivery.
“We’ve tried to keep the doors open with the hopes of getting some tips in some of our staffs’ pockets, some hours for our kitchen staff and to serve the community with as little human contact as possible,” Horne said in a press release. “Unfortunately, at this time we think we’d all be better safely in our homes and actively participating in social distancing.”
Horne said that all AMOB staff would be paid for two weeks worth of lost hours. “...In hopes that this will help all of us get through this unprecedented time in our lives,” he added.
Groceries have also been made available to staff through restaurant wholesaler US Foods.
Other popular local restaurants that have decided to shutter for now include all three Mattison’s restaurants and all 10 Peach’s Restaurant locations.
Duffy’s Sports Grill announced the temporary closure of all 34 of its restaurants across Florida on Thursday, including a location in Sarasota. Duffy’s workers will be furloughed and employee health benefits will be extended through April 30, the company said in a press release.
Some national dining chains are also taking the measure of closing some or all stores.
Waffle House announced the closure of hundreds of restaurants amid declining sales this week, including a location in Sarasota and several in the Tampa Bay area. The two Bradenton locations and one in Ellenton were not affected.
Sweet Tomatoes, the salad bar and buffet with locations from Florida to California, was one of the first restaurant chains to shut down in response to the health crisis, announcing the temporary closure of all of its restaurants, including one in Bradenton and another in Sarasota, back on March 16.
Bradenton area restaurant closures
▪ Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants in Bradenton, Bradenton Beach and Ellenton will close until further notice at 7 p.m. Friday.
▪ The Beach House, 200 Gulf Dr. N. Bradenton, is closed until further notice.
▪ Ellenton Cafe, 7044 U.S. 301, Ellenton, is closed until further notice.
▪ Heinrich’s German Grill, 8420 Lockwood Ridge Rd., Sarasota, is closed until further notice.
▪ Mattison’s restaurants in Bradenton and Sarasota are closed until further notice as of March 24.
▪ Oak and Stone locations are closed until further notice. Fastfire by Oak & Stone, 6220 14th St W, Bradenton, will remain open for takeout and third-party delivery and can be reached at 941-253-0003.
▪ Peach’s Restaurant locations in Bradenton, Holmes Beach, Ellenton, Sarasota and Venice are closed until further notice.
▪ Pigout BBQ And Southern Soul Food, located at 12012 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, is closed until further notice. The location at 5718 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton remains open for takeout and curbside pickup (941-761-4567).
▪ Sweet Tomatoes locations, including those at 5407 University Parkway, Bradenton and 4994 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, are closed until further notice.
▪ Wicked Cantina locations in Bradenton Beach and Sarasota are closed until further notice. Gift cards are available for purchase online.
This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 8:49 AM.