6 New (& Coming Soon) Restaurants in Manatee County

Here are a handful of restaurants you should either be checking out or making plans to visit once they open in Manatee County. Starting with what's open now, scroll down to see what's in the works.

Now Open

Smiley Face Cafe

Address: 923 10th St E, Palmetto, FL 34221

Status: Now open.

What to expect: Family-run café with ~30 seats, a small kids’ area, and an online pickup station. Breakfast and light lunch with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Menu highlights: Ham & cheese croissant, bacon-egg-cheese on Martin’s roll, NY-style bagel & lox, chicken salad, quinoa bowls, turkey wraps, smoothies, matcha lattes.

Hours: Six days a week, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. (plans to extend).

Who’s behind it: Owner Megan Harkinson and partner Nicholas; community-focused, Austin-trained background.

Read the article.

Coming Soon

Hungry Greek - Parrish

Address: 8980 US-301 #118, Parrish, FL 34219

Status: Opening soon (mid-January)

What to expect: Fast-casual Greek spot (~1,600 sq. ft.) with indoor/outdoor seating; consistent menu with the brand’s other Tampa Bay locations.

Menu highlights: Fresh, healthy Mediterranean; periodic updates based on guest feedback.

Hours: Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sun TBA.

Who’s behind it: Franchisee Ray Georgy (third location; also Sun City Center and Apollo Beach).

Read the article.

Extreme Pizza - Bradenton

Address: 7839 SR 64 E, Bradenton, FL 34212

Status: Opening January–February 2026

What to expect: First Florida location and flagship “Signature Series” concept with full-service dining, bar, and seating for ~175 (125 inside, 50 outside).

Menu highlights: “Gourmet California” pizzas; zucchini fries with tzatziki, fried calamari, stuffed shrimp, meatball bake; moussaka, chicken/eggplant Parm, carbonara, seafood fra diavolo; tiramisu, cheesecake, key lime pie, baklava over ice cream; espresso martinis and Greek iced espresso.

Hours: Mon–Thu ~10/11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat ~10/11 a.m.–10/11 p.m.; Sun until ~7/8 p.m. (seasonal).

Who’s behind it: Franchisee/area developer George Margioukla; menu collab with chef Peter Melanides.

Read the article.

The Breakfast Company — Palmetto & Venice

Addresses: 9564 Buffalo Rd, Palmetto, FL 34221 • 2996 Executive Dr, Venice, FL 34292

Status: Opening mid-May 2026

What to expect: Full-service breakfast/lunch with bakery and espresso program; American classics with Greek touches. Palmetto adds an expanded grab-and-go and ~130 seats (largest yet).

Menu highlights: Cinnamon rolls, muffins, croissants, espresso drinks; gyropita, Greek salad, tzatziki, chicken lemon rice soup, plus traditional breakfast plates.

Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–2 p.m.

Who’s behind it: Owner Dimitri Syros and his mother Terri Syros-King; partner David Angeles joins Palmetto; franchising plans after openings.

Read the article.

Delaney Public House - Bradenton

Address: 8110 Lakewood Main St, Bradenton, FL 34202

Status: Opening early summer 2026

What to expect: Upscale, traditional-meets-eclectic Irish pub and restaurant. 6,000 sq. ft., 300+ seats, covered patio (~100), live music 3–4 nights/week, private event rooms, and an in-house sweet shop with imported Irish goods.

Menu highlights: Fish & chips, corned beef, bangers & mash with colcannon croquettes, Sunday roast, oven-roasted chicken pot pie.

Hours: Sun–Thu 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–1 a.m.

Who’s behind it: Co-owner Tory Delaney with husband Darren Shore; team behind Allswell (Waterside Place) and multiple NYC concepts.

Read the article.

Qdoba - Bradenton

Address: 7227 FL-64, Bradenton, FL 34212

Status: Opening June 2026

What to expect: Fast-casual, build-your-own Mexican fare in a busy plaza across from Miller’s Ale House.

Menu highlights: Burritos, bowls, tacos, salads, quesadillas made to order.

Hours: TBA.

Who’s behind it: Franchisee Pradeep Prashar (also Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte) with plans to expand in the region.

Article coming soon.