MacAllisters in Lakewood Ranch under new ownership

LAKEWOOD RANCH -- With mixed emotions, Karen and Malcolm Ronney are parting with their "baby," MacAllisters Grill & Tavern.

The couple, originally from Scotland, are in the process of selling the Lakewood Ranch Main Street restaurant, which they opened in 2006, to focus on their two young daughters.

"This is our baby," Karen Ronney said. "We know once we get it changed over, it is definitely the right move. We are going to look back and realize it's the right move."

Lakewood Ranch residents Greg and Tina Bliss, who own two restaurants in Vermont, will officially become the restaurant's new owners effective Jan. 1.

"The Scottish style is going to stay the same," Greg Bliss said, adding they may gradually add some influences from New England.

Greg Bliss said he heard about the opportunity through a friend.

"Great opportunity. Great location," he said. "We are very excited."

Karen Ronney said they are "very experienced restaurateurs" and feels comfortable leaving the restaurant's future in their hands.

"They definitely have what it takes to take our business to the next level," she said. "They have been in here for the last couple weeks. They are trying to have as seamless transition as possible and we are happy to help."

Bringing some of his management team from Vermont to help, Greg Bliss said they

want to maintain a high level of service.

"It is only going to get better," he said.

But the Ronneys departure from restaurant ownership in Lakewood Ranch won't last long as the couple have their minds set on opening a breakfast and lunch restaurant in spring.

"This is the business we know and we have created a good reputation over the years," Karen Ronney said. "We want to build on that success. We love Lakewood Ranch and we don't want to move out of it."

The new venture is still in the early stages, Karen Ronney said, adding the couple is looking at three or four different opportunities.

In the new restaurant, Karen Ronney said she hopes the community feel at MacAllisters will transfer over.

"We really do have a genuine neighborhood feel," she said. "Hopefully we can continue that with our new place."

Claire Aronson, University Parkway/Sarasota reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024 or at caronson@bradenton.com. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 12:00 AM with the headline "MacAllisters in Lakewood Ranch under new ownership."