Community Corner

Ralph's Re-Opens – Away From the Bradenton Beach Pier

The new place is at 5942 34th St. W., which is close to the State College of Florida and IMG Academy.

Rotten Ralph’s restaurant has a new name and location.

The restaurant left its dockside digs at the historic Bridge Street Pier and has a new address at 34th Street and 60th Avenue. 

Ralph's – without the "Rotten" – opened last weekend in the El Conquistador Plaza.

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Last May, owner Dave Russell lost his concessionaire contract with the city of Bradenton Beach in a rent dispute. Russell had said that he fell behind in rent after Tropical Storm Debby damaged the day dock that boaters use to tie up and venture over to the restaurant. Russell said the city refused to take partial payment

"The dispute is long over and done. We came to an amicable agreement," Russell said this week. "I did end up paying them some money. We came to an agreement for me to pay them a small amount and walk away free and clear.

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Rotten Ralph's had been operating on the pier for 5 1/2 years. 

"We’re thrilled with the new spot. It’s a beautiful restaurant and great area. We had wanted to find something more centrally located in Bradenton for more year-round business and to be in a neighborhood with regulars coming in."

The staff and menu are the same, though Russell expects to add more lunch items, as business picks up midday, especially with folks coming from nearby companies, like IMG Academy. 

"We’re looking forward to seeing old faces and new faces and happy to be back in business," Russell said.

Ralph's is open every day, from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.


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