In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, our coastal community has faced some intense challenges. But through it all, our commitment to our team, our guests, and the recovery process has never wavered. With a focus on resilience and preparation, Oysters Rock Hospitality and all of our restaurant locations are bouncing back, stronger than ever.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar: Open with Limited Hours at the Pier
We’re thrilled to announce that all Anna Maria Oyster Bars are open and operating. Although the storms caused some damage, none of our restaurants suffered any structural harm. The worst of it was at AMOB on the Pier, where the awning and rail were ripped from the back deck and thrown into the intercoastal next door. Thankfully, that debris has been cleared, and we’ve modified our seating to ensure guests can still enjoy the Pier’s stunning views.
At the Pier location, we’re currently offering a limited menu with new hours from 11 AM to 8 PM. While the back patio remains closed for repairs, there’s still plenty of seating inside and along the boardwalk. We invite you to stop by, relax, and enjoy some of your favorite dishes as we continue to rebuild.
Café L’Europe: The Hardest Hit
While AMOB locations were relatively lucky, Café L’Europe took the hardest hit from Hurricane Helene. The storm brought more than four feet of water into the entire restaurant, damaging much of the interior. Just as restoration efforts were underway, Hurricane Milton had other plans. But we learned some valuable lessons from Helene. Thanks to our preparedness, Café L’Europe only experienced about one foot of water this time around. Since all the drywall and equipment had already been removed, Milton didn’t add too much more damage to our beloved café.
At this time, Café L’Europe remains in an indefinite pause as we continue assessing and planning for the next steps. Our focus remains on supporting our team and ensuring everyone is cared for during this challenging period. We will keep you updated as we move forward.
In Awe of Our Team: The Power of Coming Together
We’ve been in awe watching our Pier staff step up and work at other AMOB locations. Seeing how seamlessly everyone has come together, especially considering how unique the Pier has always been, has been heartwarming. Each of our locations has embraced the displaced Pier staff with open arms, and the teamwork has been nothing short of inspiring. The Pier has always had its own special vibe, and we’re grateful to see everyone supporting each other as we get back on our feet.
Quick Response and Grateful Partnerships
One of the key elements of our recovery efforts has been establishing a supply chain to Anna Maria Island. Thanks to our incredible partners—US Foods, City of Bradenton Beach, Bradenton Beach Area Merchants, Manatee Community Foundation, Florida Power & Light, The Women’s Resource Center, The Market Boutique & Gifts, and CCAV Event Production & Rentals—we were able to quickly get essential supplies to those in need on Bradenton Beach.
A special thank you goes out to The Market Boutique & Gifts, which has been working tirelessly to collect donations and distribute supplies. And none of this would have been possible without Chief Crosby, who graciously allowed us and our staff access to Bradenton Beach so we could set up tents and ensure the community received the help it needed. Leah Brown also played a key role in getting the word out to those in need.
If these storms have taught us anything, it’s to be truly grateful for what we have—because it could be gone tomorrow. The resilience and care we’ve seen from our community have been humbling, and we’re proud to be part of this effort to help rebuild and recover.
How You Can Help
We’ve received countless messages from people asking how they can contribute, and there are several ways to support the recovery efforts:
- Make a Donation: Contributions to Oysters Rock Hospitality’s Shuckin’ Good Cause and the Manatee Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund directly support hospitality workers and community members who’ve been affected by the storms.
- Volunteer Your Time: Organizations like Keep Manatee Beautiful and The Center of Anna Maria Island are leading clean-up efforts. Lending a hand can make a huge difference.
- Support Local Businesses: Once we’re fully back up and running at all locations, we’d love to see you. All AMOB locations are open, and your visits help support the recovery. Though Café L’Europe remains closed, we’ll update you as soon as we have more news.
For more details on how to contribute or volunteer, check out oystersrock.net/storm. Your support makes a world of difference as we continue to rebuild and bring the community back together.
Looking Ahead
The spirit of the Bradenton Area has been nothing short of inspiring. Through all the hardships, we’ve seen people come together, step up, and lend a hand. As we work to recover and restore, we want to say thank you for standing by us and showing the true power of community.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on the progress at Café L’Europe and the full recovery of Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier. In the meantime, stop by our other AMOB locations, enjoy a meal, and take a moment to connect with the people and places that make this community home.