Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill planned for Ellenton on Manatee River

Specialty Restaurant Corporation of Anaheim, Calif., is planning a 10,000-square-foot Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill on 1.8 acres at 5313 and 5315 19th St. E.

Specialty operates at least 11 restaurants in five states, according to the company’s website. The closest are Whiskey Joe’s Tampa and Rusty Pelican Tampa. The company also has a Smokey Joe’s in Miami.

The proposed new restaurant would be located on a former home site on the Manatee River, south of U.S. 301 and west of Interstate 75. A Johnny Leverock’s Seafood House that closed in 2006 is located to the east. The property neighboring on the west is a single-family residence.

Specialty Restaurants Corporation was founded by World War II veteran David Tallichet and developed a reputation for its food, service and unbeatable views, according to the company website.

The developer is seeking approval of a rezone and general development plan, according to records filed with Manatee County government.

“We are very excited about our new Whiskey Joe’s location in Ellenton. This will be our fourth location of Whiskey Joe’s,” said Margaret Schroeder, the vice president of marketing for Specialty Restaurants Corporation. “We are anticipating opening in late 2018 to early 2019. The restaurant will accommodate around 250 guests, plus beach seating, and we expect to employ about 200 people from the local community.”

The company’s website says: “David (Tallichet) believed in the importance of creating unforgettable experiences for guests, only opening restaurants on top of a hill, on the waterfront or next to an airport. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot, a delicious brunch with friends or a huge reception, our restaurants are built to accommodate groups of all sizes. Every location has a patio, bar, dining room and large event spaces so no matter the occasion, SRC restaurants are the place to go.”

This story was originally published December 6, 2017 at 11:14 AM with the headline "Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill planned for Ellenton on Manatee River."