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For one, there’s the nearly 100-year-old Mediterranean Revival-style
building, situated on the end of downtown Bradenton’s pier over the
Manatee River. Inside the two-oor structure are formal dining areas,
a lounge, a sushi bar, private and semi-private dining areas, and a
second-oor ballroom that can accommodate up to 300 people.
The property also has seating (some of which is covered in the
winter) on an expansive waterfront patio and terrace, where
there’s an outdoor full bar and a 13-seat re pit table. Hundreds
of events are held at Pier 22 every year, from holiday parties and
corporate meetings to baby showers and lavish weddings. The
restaurant also holds events including a Mother’s Day dinner, an
Easter brunch, and a New Year’s Eve party.
Pier 22 (the name comes from the number on its channel marker
on the river) is open for lunch and dinner every day, plus for
Sunday brunch. Patrons can dock at complimentary docks.
“There’s nothing in downtown Bradenton that’s similar,” Campbell
said, referring to the diversity of experiences that Pier 22 offers.
But there’s more. Campbell also heads up Pier 22 Special Events
and Catering, an entity focusing on both off- and on-site catering
and professional planning. The Pier 22 restaurant group also
includes the Bealls Bistro by Pier 22, Corwin’s Ice Cream and
Smoothies, and the Pier Bakery, which isn’t open to the public,
but supplies freshly baked bread and pastries to all restaurants.
Finally, Grove Restaurant, Patio and Ballroom, offering regional
American cuisine for lunch, dinner, and brunch in downtown
Lakewood Ranch, opened in early December 2018.
Campbell, who splits his time mainly between Grove and Pier 22,
estimates there are more than 300 employees total in the Pier 22
restaurant group. “My job is people,” he said. “I give people the
opportunity to succeed, and the tools to do their jobs.”
Picture courtesy of Pier 22