Two beloved Manatee County restaurants are closing their doors, owners say. Here’s why

Peach’s Restaurants announced Tuesday that it will close its Holmes Beach and Ellenton locations next month.

Peach’s has operated restaurants at 2207 60th Ave. E., Ellenton, and 3240 E. Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, for more than 20 years. The final day for both restaurants will be Father’s Day, June 16.

The company said in a news release that the leases at both restaurants are set to expire.

“We are a proud small business with dedicated teams and loyal guests. This decision was not ours to make, and it does not reflect the incredible dedication of our team at these locations,” Alison Thomas, president of Peach’s Restaurants, said in the news release.

“We are doing our best to relocate all 40 employees throughout our other six locations in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice,” Thomas said.

Peach’s is a local casual breakfast and lunch chain that first began serving in 1985.

“For over 20 years in both locations, Peach’s has been a responsible tenant and enthusiastic participant in their communities,” the news release said, adding that Peach’s will need time to transition their team and move their property during the last two weeks of its remaining lease.

Peach’s Restaurant closing 2 locations

Peach’s has grown and succeeded through its friendly service, which invites guests to linger and the quality of its food.

Since opening in 2001 in Holmes Beach and 2002 in Ellenton, the restaurants have become a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Peach’s — and all Florida restaurants — were closed for a while, and reopened cautiously.

“This is the best place I’ve ever been. I live six miles from here and I made it a point to come down Interstate 75 to eat here. The staff takes care of their customers and they are glad to see you come in,” one customer said in 2023 when the Creekwood restaurant reopened.

The news of the closings broke on social media Tuesday evening, producing dozens of comments lamenting the closings.

“We have always enjoyed the Ellenton location. Even when family comes to town, it’s our go-to. We have met up with so many people there. You will be missed. We have gone to other locations, but Ellenton was always our favorite,” one person said.

Jennifer Hester, chief financial officer for Peach’s, said the company would like to find new locations in Ellenton and Holmes Beach and is searching from Sun City Center to Anna Maria Island, Parrish and North Port.

“We are really heartbroken,” Hester said.

“We hope the time before seeing your favorite server and having your favorite meal is short and we encourage our Holmes Beach and Ellenton guests to visit our other locations to see some familiar faces while meeting new ones,” Hester said.

“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests for their unwavering support over the years. We will keep you all informed of where we find our new home,” she said.

Peach’s other locations

▪ 3201 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

▪ 5240 State Road 64, Bradenton

▪ 7315 52nd Place E., Bradenton

▪ 6386 N. Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota

▪ 4292 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota

▪ 1230 Jacaranda Blvd., Venice

Peach’s is open every day from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.Peachs.net.