Indoor / Outdoor Dining From Local Chef Coming to Tarpon Springs
The Bearded Turtle is preparing to open near the Sponge Docks with Florida seafood, multiple dining spaces, and a poolside bar.
TARPON SPRINGS, FL — The Bearded Turtle, a new full-service restaurant from owner Richard Landreman, is preparing to open at 847 Roosevelt Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, with a target opening of January 15. Landreman told Business Debut the team is in the final stretch of renovations and planning.
Located near the Sponge Docks, the restaurant reintroduces the waterfront property as a casual yet elevated destination with multiple dining areas, including indoor, outdoor, and an upstairs bistro.
What to Expect
The Bearded Turtle is designed as a flexible, full-service concept. Guests can dine indoors in the main bistro, enjoy drinks and food at the poolside patio bar, or relax on the outdoor deck overlooking the pool. Swimwear will be welcome in outdoor areas, while the indoor bistro will offer a more traditional dining atmosphere.
The property will accommodate approximately 75 to 100 guests indoors, with seating for roughly 100 more outside across the patio and pool deck.
Menu and Vision
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Brian Healy, whose culinary work is well known locally from his time at Blackbeard’s Restaurant. Landreman said the Bearded Turtle was created with Healy’s legacy in mind.
“The Bearded Turtle is really a legacy of Brian Healy,” Landreman told Business Debut. “If you liked Blackbeard’s, you’re going to love the Bearded Turtle.”
The menu will focus on Florida seafood sourced from local suppliers, along with several of Healy’s signature dishes. Planned offerings include grouper dishes, a grouper sandwich, steak bites, and rotating specials based on what is freshest and available. One featured entrée will be Healy’s short rib ragu served over flat egg noodles.
Upstairs, guests can expect a more refined dining experience, which Landreman described as ideal for date nights or special occasions while still remaining approachable.
Beverage Program and Team
The food and beverage program will be overseen by food and beverage director Eleni Tsitsongas, who will help shape cocktails and bar offerings throughout the restaurant. Landreman said the team also plans to bring back several well-regarded staff members from the previous operation at the property.
A Mascot With a Story
Adding to the restaurant’s personality is a fictional mascot named Captain Shadow, a bearded turtle character created as part of the brand’s identity. Landreman said the character comes with a full backstory that will influence the restaurant’s artwork, design, and future menu elements.
“Captain Shadow has his own story and history, and we’re weaving that into the experience,” Landreman told Business Debut. The character’s tale and imagery are already featured on the restaurant’s social media pages.
Ownership Background
While this is Landreman’s first restaurant venture, he comes from a family with deep roots in hospitality. His parents own a long-running bowling center and restaurant operation in Racine, Wisconsin. Landreman also brings experience from real estate renovation projects, which he said informed his approach to reimagining the Tarpon Springs property.
Opening Timeline
The Bearded Turtle is targeting a January 15 opening.
Hours
The restaurant plans to operate approximately 11 a.m. — 11 p.m., five or six days a week. Final hours are to be announced.
Follow for More
Visit their Website and Facebook.
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