Lakewood Ranch restaurant announces it will shut down after over a decade in business
Truman’s Tap & Grill in the Lakewood Walk shopping center, which weathered the pandemic and more, announced that it is closing.
The restaurant, which opened in 2012, at 11161 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch, is closing Thursday, the owners announced on social media and with a sign on the front door.
“We have absolutely loved being part of your community and this decision has not come easy,” the owners said.
Carrie and Jason Leitzman bought the business from the original owners in 2021.
Their son, Justin Leitzman, served as general manager for the restaurant under the previous owners.
“It was a great opportunity for our family,” Carrie said this week.
Over time, the owners came to love the business, its staff and their customers, but given Carrie’s long-term health challenges, the family decided to close the business to allow more time with family and travel.
“We love our guests. That is the hardest part,” Carrie said. “The outpouring of love and kindness from our community in the last 24 hours has been incredible. It’s been amazing and I am actually speechless,” she said.
“We have an amazing staff and we wanted to make sure things were lined up for them. We want to go out with our heads held high and with grace and integrity,” she said.
One of the things Carrie is most proud of is the restaurant’s “Making a Difference Monday.” The restaurant, in collaboration with Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, raised $35,000 in donations to local organizations since 2022.
The restaurant is now raising money for the Lakewood Ranch High School marching band.
On Aug. 31, Truman’s is inviting the public to an all-day party to celebrate friends, family and regulars with food and drink specials and raffles. Truman’s will also be raising money to donate to its staff.
Erin Barcan has been coming to Truman’s for seven years and said she is saddened by the restaurant’s closing.
“I cried,” Barcan said, recalling when she heard the news. “Carrie is someone who would come in and light up the place. It’s sad.”
