Bradenton Beach can soon call folks back to the pier. The teacher is back.
And just like the 1970s sitcom, “Welcome Back, Kotter,” the pier operator has a familiar face.
Calling his latest corporate venture And … We’re Back Inc., Anna Maria Oyster Bar president John Horne answered questions and then watched Aug. 20 as Bradenton Beach city commissioners approved his lease for the restaurant and two storefronts on the Historic Bridge Street Pier.
For Horne, who has three other restaurants in Manatee County, it’s a significant move. He once operated the restaurant at Anna Maria City Pier — 1996-99 — and also managed Fast Eddie’s Place in Anna Maria.
Mayor Jack Clarke said one of the reasons commissioners chose to negotiate with Horne over other applicants was “they are good corporate citizens.
“We have had some unfortunate experiences in the pier restaurant. I don’t anticipate that type of experience again because — both by reputation and personal knowledge — I know the folks at AMOB to be straight-shooters.”
The initial lease term is five years. Horne has an option to renew for three more five-year terms. The base rent will be $32,000 in year 1, $42,000 in years 2-5. Thereafter, the lease payments will increase 3 percent per year.
In addition to base rent, AMOB will pay the city 2 percent of its gross revenue monthly. The original AMOB offer, made as part of the company’s proposal, was $1,666.66 per month, or $20,000 annually, for the restaurant only, with no percentage of sales.
“Personally I feel we’ve reached a middle ground” in negotiations, Clarke said. If the restaurant does $1 million sales, the city will net $52,000.
“If we don’t do $1 million, I’m going to come back to you and ask you what the heck’s going on,” Horne said, laughing.
Regarding the two out buildings, the bait and retail store, Horne said he spoke to Sherman Baldwin, proprietor of Paradise Boat Tours, which operates its tours from the day dock.
“He is an absolutely suitable candidate for that,” Horne said. “We’d be kind of silly not to go in that direction.”
Horne hopes to have the pier restaurant open by the end of the year.
Finally Bradenton Beach gets reasonable and they get a great tenant back in the Pier… John is going to be successful there for years and the City will be better for it….