Shore construction passes inspection, makes progress

The Shore restaurant is taking steps toward completion, even if it is still just a few partially constructed walls. 

In September, the building passed an inspection from Longboat Key, verifying it was  making progress toward completion. Several changes to the building's foundation were approved, and new columns have been placed in the building, which had seen slow progress for months.

The Shore received permits to resume construction in July after stalling for weeks. The owners had 180 days to show construction progress or lose the permit, town officials said. 

The town certified the Shore was progressing, said Longboat Key Building Official David Greenbaum. 

Originally planned to open this summer, the 7,000 square-foot, 185-seat restaurant was beset with construction complications and a change in contractors.

A mechanical door system planned for the building prompted the redesign of a corner of the structure in February of this year.

The site at 800 Broadway Street on the key’s north end is the former location of the iconic Moore’s Stone Crab Restaurant. It was torn down after being purchased in June 2015 by Tom Leonard and former partner Mark Caragiulo. A restaurateur behind eateries such as  Veronica’s Fish and Oyster Bar, Caragiulo was bought out of his share of The Shore restaurant brand, which includes a location at St. Armands Circle, by Leonard on April 13. John Mays, a co-founder of Bonefish Grill, is the other co-owner.

In April, Leonard said he expected an opening date between late October and early November. Leonard more recently said an opening in December or early January is more realistic, though he noted that date may change as the project moves forward.

The unfinished building has drawn several complaints from Longboat citizens anxious to see construction completed, said Planning, Zoning and Building Director Alaina Ray. She said The Shore has provided even more parking spots than initially required by the town. The restaurant will have 55 spaces, eight more than the permit demands. It will also feature bike racks and boat slips for customers.