Bandit’s Cafe seeks to grow its food business beyond secure confines of judicial center
One of the big challenges faced by any restaurateur is getting diners through the door. At Bandit’s Cafe, the hurdle is higher than for most.
To get their breakfast sandwich, or lunch salad, diners must first pass through security screening at the Manatee County Judicial Center.
Off comes the belt and shoes, pockets are emptied into a tray, and then there is a walk through electronic screening. It’s not anyone’s idea of a tasty appetizer.
Owners Brian and Terry Hamilton took over the former “You’ve Been Served Cafe” in March. The new name, Bandit’s Cafe, incorporates the owner’s initials. Later they realized that Bandit’s could also be interpreted as referring to some of the clients who pass through the judicial system.
The Hamiltons are no strangers to the food service business. They also operate concessions for Manatee County at Premier Sports Campus, for IMG Academy, and for the Out-of-Door Academy.
Those who have tried the food at Bandit’s Cafe sing its praises, from the breakfasts that are served all day to the grilled chicken wrap, the grilled Reuben, the chicken salad sandwich, and the Cuban.
“We use Boar’s Head meat products and all of our sandwiches are made fresh every day on the premises,” Brian Hamilton said.
Bandit’s Cafe serves chili and two soups every day, Terry Hamilton said.
“Our chicken salad sandwich is known throughout the judicial center. The Reuben is fantastic,” Terry said.
Assisting the Hamiltons are two enthusiastic staff members, Kelly McLane and Diane Ramon.
In addition to greeting customers and helping in the kitchen, McLane also rides her blue beach bicycle to deliver food to customers in the immediate area.
Free delivery to the downtown area is available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
McLane volunteered to do the bike deliveries to help Bandit’s Cafe overcome the challenge of operating in a facility with rigorous security.
Some of her regular customers are at King’s Station, 518 13th St. W.
“I like the roast beef sandwich. The food in general is pretty good. I have never had a bad experience,” Kavin Wilmott of WSP Associates said.
As part of its outreach, the Hamilitons have walked door-to-door downtown distributing their menus and have also set up an easel sign in the lobby of the Manatee County Administration announcing specials and their new ownership of the Bandit’s Cafe.
This week, they signed with Doordash to deliver food beyond the downtown area. And to encourage repeat business, they have set up a loyalty program.
“It’s a different animal,” Brian Hamilton said of the need to think out of the box at Bandit’s Cafe to fill the restaurant’s 24 seats, or increase delivery service.
Breakfast sandwiches sell for $4.50, lunch sandwiches and wraps for $7.95, subs for $9.50 and salads start at $3.95. A variety of sides, beverages and specialty coffee are also available.
Bandit’s Cafe, located on the ground floor of the judicial center at 1051 Manatee Ave. W., is open 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The restaurant is closed Saturday and Sunday and all holidays.
For more information or delivery, call 941-749-3060.
