SNN News

The Waterfront Restaurant’s property owner seeks new tenant

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SARASOTA COUNTY (WSNN) – If you’re a boater in Sarasota County, you know restaurants with boat access are far and few between.  Now, one property owner is thinking big, seeing the potential in what he calls a diamond in the rough.  

“To be able to go to a restaurant by boat is a nice treat for everyone,” SRQ LLC Manager, Peter Anzo said.

Peter Anzo has been developing properties like this since he was 21 He calls himself a “Marinas Guy,” with boating facilities stretching across several states.  His property on South Tamiami Trail includes the space formerly occupied by the Waterfront Restaurant, which is his current project after the owners of the restaurant moved out in late April. Anzo is looking for a new tenant.  He’s also looking for a partner to share his vision.  

“I’ve always looked at the restaurant tenant being the anchor, being the partner,” Anzo said.

Anzo sees huge potential in the restaurant space.

“The property was a Diamond in the rough when I bought it three years ago, it’s still not a diamond, it’s still rough, but we’re getting there,” Anzo said. 

Anzo says the previous tenant hadn’t been using the space next door, which was originally designed for the restaurant’s use. He wants to see a new tenant open up the area, maybe even build a tiki bar on the deck in the parking lot, telegraphing the location of the property:

“A lot of people aren’t aware the property sits on the water,” Anzo said. 

What’s that saying about real estate?  Location. Location. Location.  

“No offense to the Gecko folks down the street, but I sit there and watch all the people crowded around the bar in front of the hotel at Stickney Point,” Anzo said. “They’re watching the 60,000 car county that goes by every day and meanwhile I’ve got sunset views.”

Anzo says all that stands in the way of the sunset views are some Brazilian pepper trees.   Look closely and you can see the Intra Coastal. 

“I would say probably 75 to 80 percent of the customer base was somewhat local,” Anzo said. “I’m hoping whoever comes in and operates the restaurant can get the clientele back.”

By SNN’s count, there are five county restaurants accessible by boat.  Anzo is looking for someone to make this property the sixth.  

Anzo says he has already spent half a million dollars in improvements to the property.  In a story last month, SNN reported Anzo’s “building is on land that is becoming more unstable by the year” and “the building was getting more untenable over the years.”  Neither statement was attributed to any source  Both statements are incorrect.  SNN is correcting the record.