She’s Here! The S.S. Salacia The jewel in the crown of our past year’s renovations
There have been many exciting renovations and additions at The Seafood Shack Marina, Bar & Grill over the past year and a half since undergoing new ownership and management. After massive marina enhancements, renovations to our 7,000 sq.ft. 2nd floor event space and a complete facelift to our restaurant interiors, we’ve added a handsome new bar that’s become the jewel in the crown of our past year’s renovations!
The bar is built to resemble the hull of a boat, so to celebrate its arrival to our establishment, we held a Launch Party on May 26, 2016 which was a grand success! Over 150 people came to welcome the new addition, which, after a ceremonial Ribbon-Cutting with the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, was suitably Christened to assure fair winds and smooth seas.
In accordance with tradition, our very own Mr. Jed Lippincott, Chief Operating Officer of The Seafood Shack, invoked the gods of winds and seas for their blessing while John Vandyk, President and CEO of VANDYK Group of Companies and owner of The Seafood Shack, broke a champagne bottle made of sugar over her bow.
“I name this ship Salacia. May she bring fair winds, safe passages, and good fortune to all who sail on her. In consequence whereof, and in good faith, we seal this pact with a libation offered according to the hallowed ritual of the sea.”
The boat was named Salacia just for fun. The name comes from ancient Roman mythology. She was the female divinity of the sea, worshipped as the goddess of salt water who presided over the depths of the ocean. She was also the wife and queen of Neptune, god of the sea.
The Salacia measures 31’ from stem to stern with a 14’ beam and accommodates 36 seats for guests. She’s decorated with a large mast, authentic boom from a 70-year old schooner and whimsical bar top with hand-drawn nautical details resembling an antique map. 12 varieties of domestic, import and craft beers can now be served with 24 taps for easy accessibility from both sides of the bar. Guests can also enjoy the full bar selections with wine, mixed drinks and specialty cocktails in addition to bottled and draft beers, while a Mini Mates Mocktail Menu offers non-alcoholic kid-friendly concoctions
Into the celebration, a handsome body-painted King Neptune and his beautiful mermaid joined the celebration, posing for photos with guests. The Launch Party was made complete with live music from Jae Movement Reggae Band as well as delicious signature samplings from The Seafood Shack menu including our Smoked Fish Spread, Crab and Tuna Sushi Rolls and fresh-shucked Gulf Oysters on the half shell.
Come see what all the excitement is about. Visit The Seafood Shack today! We’re located at 4110 127th Street West in historic Cortez. Our hours of operation are Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday & Saturday from 11am to 10pm. Call 941.794.1235 for more information.