Design change delays Shore on Longboat Key construction

Construction of The Shore restaurant on Longboat Key has been delayed because of design and structural changes, co-owner Tom Leonard said Wednesday.

“We’re resolving minor issues before we go full bore,” Leonard said. “It’s the time to get things right.”

The site at 800 Broadway Street is the former location of the iconic Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant, which was purchased in June 2015 by Leonard, along with co-owners Mark Caragiulo and John Mays.

The Shore, a $4 million project, is expected to have 185 seats in the 7,000-square-foot facility.

Leonard said the mechanical door system planned for the building has prompted the redesign of a corner of the structure. Any changes related to the issue will require new adminstrative approvals from the town.

Construction ceased in mid-February, Leonard said, and he expects it will resume by the end of April, pending town approval.

The restaurant was once planned to open in June. Now, Leonard expects it will open between late October and early November, though he noted that date may change as the project moves forward.

“It’s not a cookie-cutter building. It’s extensive,” Leonard said. “These things take time.”

While acknowledging that the delay is unfortunate, Leonard affirmed his commitment to completing the project.

“No one is more excited for us to open than we are,” he said.