A brewmaster from Berlin confirmed Dec. 11 that he’s the new owner of the Rod & Reel Pier, 875 N. Shore Drive, Anna Maria.
“Yes, it’s true,” Oli Lemke wrote The Islander in an email Dec. 11, “the R&R has a new owner.”
Lemke said he’s long been familiar with the pier, where a restaurant, bar and bait service operate for the pleasure of those seeking refreshment and recreation.
Lemke said he “got the chance to buy it because I have been friends with the former owner’s family for years,” referring to German businessman Mario Schoenfelder.
“Everything at the pier will stay the same,” Lemke said. “To me, it’s a little piece of paradise and I intend to keep it that way.”
Lemke owns four restaurants in Berlin and also has owned a brewery, Lemke Berlin, since 1999.
So will he add to the spirits offered at the pier, which dates to 1947?
Find out in February, when he returns to the island.
For more information about the Rod & Reel, go online to rodreelpier.com or call 941-778-1885.
For more about Lemke, go to lemke.berlin/en/.