Anna Maria Island Sun April 15, 2026 Readers Choice
BUSINESS
Auto Service
Grooms Motor & Automotive
5608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-896-7898
Bait & Tackle Shop
Keyes Marina 5501 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1977
Bank
TD Bank www.td.com
Bike Rental
Beach Bums Rentals
427 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-3316
Boating Store
Keyes Marina
5501 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1977
Car Wash
Sun & Suds Car Wash 6412 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 564-3072
Carpet Cleaner
Fat Cat Carpet Cleaning 3801 9th Ave W. Bradenton, 778-2882
CBD Store
Edibles N More 5368 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach 855-334-2530
Clothing Store
Pink Pearl Resort Wear 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach 941-900-2838
Convenience Store
Anna Maria General Store 503 Pine Ave Anna Maria 779-9200
Dry Cleaner
Courtesy Cleaners 7421 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton, 794-5145
Electrician
Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100
Fine Dining
The Waterfront 111 S Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 778-1515
Fitness
Prosper Bradenton 7449 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34209 313-207-8506
Floor Coverings
Tradewinds Tile & Stone 5917 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton 941-896-9640
Florist
Blooms by The Beach 2501 Gulf Drive Bradenton Beach, 778-2555
Gift Shop
Beach Bums
427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
Golf Cart Rental
Beach Bums
427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
Grocery Store
Publix Supermarket 3900 East Bay Drive
Holmes Beach. 778-5422
Hair Salon
Salon Salon 3612 E Bay Dr Holmes Beach 941-778-0400
Hardware Store
True Value Hardware 5324 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 213-9159
Heat & Air
Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100
Home Builder
Wash Family Construction Holmes Beach 725-0073
Hotel/Motel
Silver Surf Resort 1301 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach, 778-6626
House Cleaner Lisa Firestine
Jewelry Store
Pink Pearl Resort Wear 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach 941-900-2838
Liquor Store
Time Saver Liquor Store 5353 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 778-1524
Marina Keyes Marina 5501 Marina Dr Holmes Beach, 778-1977
Men’s Apparel
Beach Bums
427 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-3316
Non Profit
The Center of Anna Maria
407 Magnolia Ave. Anna Maria, 778-1908
Outdoor Sports Store
Dicks Sporting Goods 4108 14th St. W. Bradenton, 751-6900
Painter
Ever-Ace 1212 40th St. W., Bradenton, 962-2093
Everace941@gmail.com
Pest Control
Jones and Son’s Pest Control 758-7723
Pet Grooming
The Paw Spa 5343 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach 778-0885
Pet Store
AMI Beach & Dog Supply CO. 5402 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-7138970
Pharmacist
Todd CVS
611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411
Pharmacy CVS
611 Manatee Ave Holmes Beach,778-1411
Plumber
Sewell’s Plumbing and Air 941-794-6497
Pool Cleaner
Stand Up Pools
Pool Contractor
Agnelli Pools & Construction 7411 Manatee Ave. W. #200 Bradenton, 778-4333
Real Estate Associate
Jessica Batten
Sato Real Estate Inc. 519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
Real Estate Company
Sato Real Estate Inc.
519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
READERS CHOICE, PAGE 17
Rental Company
Sato Real Estate Inc.
519 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 778-7200
Resort
Anna Maria Resorts
Tradewinds Beach Resort 1603 Gulf Drive North Bradenton Beach, 779-0100
Roofer
Trust Mike Roofing
5300 Gulf Dr Holmes Beach 807-6507
Retirement Community
National Church Residences
Service Station
Grooms Motor & Automotive
5608 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-896-7898
Shopping Center
Island Shopping Plaza 5414 Marina Drive Holmes Beach
Souvenir Shop
Island Bazaar
3304 East Bay Dr. Holmes Beach 778-3343
Spa
Aluna Day Spa 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach 778-8400
Women’s Apparel
Pink Pearl Resort Wear 5308 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 941-900-2838
PEOPLE & PLACES
Architectural Design Market Design
Architect Sensa Design
Art Gallery
Artist Guild Gallery 5414 Marina Dr Holmes Beach 778-6694
Artist Kristi Marie Photography
Attorney Nick Sato
2071 Ringling Blvd. #400 Sarasota, 861-4400
Band
Pam Ward at Harry’s Grill
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
Bar & Grill
Harry’s Grill
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
Bartender
Zachery Russell
gRub Tropical BBQ
415 Pine Ave
Anna Maria, 900-2874
Beach
Coquina Beach
Boat Captain
Lance Plowman
Florida Fishing Fleet 941-720-6147
Business Person
Mike Zeppi
Anthony’s Heating & Cooling 778-0100
Caterer
Ben Sato
gRub Topical BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
Chef Jesus Avarjo at Harry’s Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
Chiropractor
Harbor Chiropractic 6220 Manatee Ave W
Dentist
Island Dental Spa 3909 E Bay Dr Ste #205 Holmes Beach, 778-2204
Doctor Kirsten Ritchie-Wilson Blake Medical Center
Eye Care
Coastal Eye Institute 217 Manatee Ave E. Bradenton, 941-748-1818
Financial Planner
Edward Jones
John Campora 6400 Manatee Ave W Suite B 779-2499
Fishing Charter
Florida Fishing Fleet Charters 4628 119th St W. Cortez, 941-720-6174
Individual Entertainer
Pam Ward at Harry’s Grill
9903 Gulf Drive
Anna Maria, 567-5999
Interior Design
HSH Collective Home and Design
5602 Marina Drive C Holmes Beach, 941-718-9178
Manacurist
KD at Four seasons Nail and Skin Care
5604 Marina Drive Holmes beach, 778-8590
Massage Therapy
Aluna Wellness
2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton beach, 778-8400
Personal Trainer
Breanna Newton
Home Fitness by Bre dnewton@airguaranteed.com
School
Anna Maria Elementary 4700 Gulf Drive Holmes Beach, 708-5525
School Teacher
Laura Martin
Palmetto Elementary 1540 10th St. W. Palmetto, 941-723-4822
AMOB voted favorite seafood restaurant
Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier was selected as the favorite seafood restaurant in The Sun’s 2026 Readers’ Choice poll.
“The grouper is very popular, that’s absolutely number one,” said Eleni Sokos, the executive vice president of Oysters Rock Hospitality, the parent company of AMOB. “We treat the grouper carefully because it’s an expensive product. We serve that blackened, grilled, sauteed, or as a fried grouper sandwich.”
AMOB’s seafood offerings also include oysters, ceviche, peel and eat shrimp, cobia, salmon and fish and chips.
Sokos said the cooks in all six AMOB locations are trained to prepare seafood correctly.
“It’s always about serving the best product that we can find for the best value. We want to make sure our guests can enjoy seafood at a great value.”
She said visitors to the area expect to find quality seafood.
“When people come to this area, they just want seafood in general. Some of our bestsellers are things that are clearly not local, like our snow crab boil, but they’re popular, and that’s what people want,” Sokos said. She said AMOB is not only for tourists; it’s also accessible for locals.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Oysters Rock Hospitality Executive Vice President Eleni Sokos and AMOB Head of Culinary Will Parard display Louisiana oysters on the half-shell and peel and eat shrimp.
“This is a place that people can come on Tuesdays, not just on birthdays or anniversaries,” she said. “We’re accessible and always value-forward.”
Sokos said another side of the restaurant’s popularity is its focus on hospitality.
“You can go to other places that have great food for a great price, but our service here, I think, is best in class,” Sokos said. “Our team loves to make connections and build relationships.”
AMOB founder and CEO John Horne opened the Bradenton Beach Pier location in 2015. He opened the first Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Anna Maria City Pier in 1995.
AMOB on the Pier is located at 200 Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Visit them online at OysterBar.net.
Veterinarian
Dr Connor Bystrom
West Bay Animal Hospital
6905 Cortez Rd. W., Bradenton, FL 34210 792-3473
Veterinarian Clinic
Island Animal Clinic
5343 Gulf Dr Unit 900 Holmes Beach, 778-2445
View Bean Point
Waiter/Waitress
Linda Kissell
Harry’s Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
Yoga Studio
Aluna Wellness 2219 Gulf Dr N Bradenton Beach, 778-8400
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Asian Restaurant
Island Ocean Star 902 S Bay Blvd Anna Maria, 251-6940
Bagel Shop
Ginny’s & Jane E’s 9807 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-3170
Bakery
Hometown Desserts
507 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 896-3167
Barbeque
gRub Tropical BBQ 415 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 900-2874
Boat Tour
Ben Webb - AMI Dolphin Tours
5325 Marina Drive Holmes Beach, 281-3461
Breakfast
Ginny’s & Jane E’s 9807 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-3170
Burger Harry’s Bar & Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
Café
5350 Pour House 5350 Holmes Beach, 251-3681
Candy Store
Dips Ice Cream
503 Pine Ave Anna Maria, 778-1706
Deli
Scott’s Deli
5337 Gulf Drive Ste. 300 Holmes Beach, 7783000
Festival Bayfest on Pine Ave
German Restaurant
Lucky Frog Restaurant 4625 Cortez Rd. W. Bradenton, 795-2132
Hurricane Hanks 5346 Gulf Dr. Holmes Beach, 941-7785788
Health Food Store
The Fresh Market 6701 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, 941-7951800
Ice Cream Shop
Two Scoops Ice Cream 101 S. Bay Blvd. Anna Maria, 779-2422
Italian restaurant
Isola Bella 5904 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 941-242-5309
Key Lime Pie
Hometown Desserts 507 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 896-3167
Live Theater
Island Players
10009 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 778-5755
Margarita
Wicked Cantina 101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990
Mexican Restaurant
Wicked Cantina 101 7th St. N. Bradenton Beach, 281-2990
Most Romantic Restaurant
The Waterfront
111 S Bay Drive Anna Maria, 778-1515
New Restaurant
Rod and Reel 3246 E Bay Dr. Holmes Beach 941-778-1885
Night Spot
Harry’s Bar & Grill 9903 Gulf Drive Anna Maria, 567-5999
Pier
Bridge Street Pier
Pizza
Pizzano’s Pizza 5318 Marina Dr. Holmes Beach 778-3663
Restaurant (Overall)
The Waterfront 111 S Bay Drive Anna Maria, 778-1515
Seafood Restaurant
Anna Maria Oyster Bar Oysterbar.net
Specialty Cocktail
The Waterfront
111 S Bay Drive
Anna Maria, 778-1515
Specialty Gourmet
The Porch Restaurant
9707 Guld Dr. Anna Maria, 941-7828683
Sub/Sandwich
Scott’s Deli
5337 Gulf Drive Ste. 300 Holmes Beach, 7783000
Takeout
Anna Maria General Store
503 Pine Ave. Anna Maria, 941-7799200
Anna Maria General Store offers
a little bit of everything
Sun readers named Anna Maria General Store & Deli in Anna Maria as their favorite convenience store and their favorite place for takeout.
Owner Brian Seymour said, “It’s such a great honor to win favorite convenience store for the second straight year. And to win favorite takeout for the first time, on top of that, is amazing.
“At the Anna Maria General Store, we pride ourselves on offering more than your average convenience store. Our goods target our three client groups: residents, the local workforce and visitors to Anna Maria Island. We offer beer, wine, tobacco, groceries, dairy products, frozen treats, bait & tackle, snacks, candy, beverages, household items and much more,” Seymour said.
“About 50% of our business comes from our deli and grill. We offer our deli sandwiches and salads from 8 a.m. until half an hour before closing. Our breakfast is available seven days a week, from 8-11 a.m. Our lunch grill menu is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.
“Since the 2024 hurricanes, we have focused heavily on our deli and grill and instituted multiple daily specials
created by Chef Ezio Piccone, which I believe was a huge factor in us winning favorite takeout. We work hard to ensure our very strong local repeat customer base has different options, as they frequent our business multiple days a week,” Seymour said.
“Winning these two awards means our daily efforts are not going unnoticed, and we appreciate everyone who voted for the Anna Maria General Store as your favorite convenience store and favorite takeout!”
Anna Maria General Store & Deli is located at 503 Pine Ave. The phone number is 941-779-9200. Visit them online at AnnaMariaGeneralStore.com.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
The Anna Maria General Store & Deli is located at 503 Pine Ave.
gRub puts an Island spin on barbecue
Ben Sato’s gRub Tropical BBQ claimed three Readers’ Choice Awards: favorite barbecue, favorite caterer and favorite bartender, with Zach Russell winning that category for the first time.
“I’m proud of everyone that’s part of this. I’m glad people recognize what we do. It feels great,” Sato said on April 8.
“Our barbecue is different. It’s not traditional. It’s my own style – a hybrid of tropical flavors and traditional smoked barbecue. We use a pineapple barbecue sauce. We also do empanadas and bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches). We do a unique spin on barbecue. When I started this, I wanted to pull in an Island feel.
“We cater a lot of barbecue but we also do custom menus tailored to a theme or style of cuisine that has nothing to do with barbecue. Next week, we’re catering a vacation home for three nights: Italian night, taco night and barbecue night. We’re catering the Anna Maria Elementary school gala and that’s an ‘old New York’ theme. We did The Center’s Murder Mystery Dinner – braised brisket, mushroom risotto, kale salad and patatas bravas; and we had 15 minutes to get that out to 350-400 people.
JOE HENDRICKS | SUN
Ben Sato is the creative force at gRub Tropical BBQ and he loves catering too. gRub bartender Zach Russell is a first-time Readers’ Choice Award winner.
“We rent the entire restaurant out for weddings and private parties. We go to people’s houses and do private chef parties. We do everything. My background is fine dining and hotels, and catering lets me be creative beyond the barbecue mindset,” Sato said.
Regarding the readers’ favorite bartender, Sato said, “Zach is a people person and people come in all the time and ask for him. He’s very relatable, he keeps the mood light and he’s a big sports guy too.
“I want to thank everyone who voted for us and we’re grateful to all the people who visit our restaurant and use our catering,” Sato said.
Pink Pearl Resort Wear named favorite in three categories.
Pink Pearl Resort Wear in Holmes Beach was named The Sun readers’ favorite in three categories: women’s apparel, clothing store and jewelry store.
Amber Zampello has owned the store for nearly a year. She attributes its popularity not only to the clothing and jewelry, but to the relationships formed with customers.
“I think we like to make friends with all of our customers. When people come in, we like to talk and have a good time and really help them,” she said.
Pink Pearl Resort Wear operates in the space that was formerly Irene’s Resort Wear, and Zampello was an employee there.
“I loved the store,” Zampello said. “She retired and sold me the business”.
Zampello said her store’s clothing appeals to mature customers, as well as younger customers.
“I try to bring in some fun, youthful things,” she said.
The store stock ranges in price from cotton T-shirts at $13, to dresses that cost $400 or more.
“We have a lot of Canadian designers in what I call our ‘fancy room,’” Zampello
said. “Then there is the more casual side, with dresses and coverups – fun things.”
Pink Pearl also features a consignment loft.
The extensive jewelry selection features both everyday jewelry and artisan lines.
“We have jewelry made with Swarovski crystals, fused art glass, and gold-filled and silver-filled jewelry,” she said.
Zampello plans to have online sales capabilities in the future.
Pink Pearl Resort Wear is located at 5308 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, in The Island Shopping Plaza. Visit them online at PinkPearlResortWear.com.
LESLIE LAKE | SUN
Pink Pearl Resort Wear owner Amber Zampello showcases some of her store’s popular clothing.
