Oysters Rock Hospitality Serves the Community Beyond the Dining Room
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
National restaurant sales are on track to exceed $1.1 trillion, marking a new annual milestone for the hospitality industry. The National Restaurant Association credits employment growth and technological advancements, among other factors. However, Bradenton, Florida-based Oysters Rock Hospitality says its strategic success plan includes a special ingredient: philanthropy.
“Fresh From Florida” member Oysters Rock Hospitality embodies several restaurant concepts, including its flagship brand Anna Maria Oyster Bar, featuring farm-fresh produce and locally sourced seafood. Making waves since 1995, this eatery now boasts six locations.
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Pearls of Wisdom
Rounding out and diversifying the group’s culinary portfolio, Cafe L’Europe and Kefi Streetside Cafe were most recently added to the group by John Horne, Oysters Rock Hospitality CEO, and his wife Amanda, who spearheads marketing and community relations.
Amanda co-founded Dive Into Reading, a summer program for rising second and third graders. She’s forged collaborations with the Early Learning Coalition, the School District of Manatee County, Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and Manatee County libraries.
“Now, we’re reaching 17 Title I schools and six locations with over 500 children,” says Eleni Sokos, Oysters Rock Hospitality Executive Vice President. “We’re thrilled to have mentored more than 3,000 children.”
Change for Good
Fostering literacy and second-chance educational opportunities is a philanthropic priority for the group.
“Our philanthropy is guided by four pillars: education, heroes, affiliations and quality of life,” Sokos says.
Efforts aren’t about giving back here and there. Rather, the intent is for lasting change. “We aim to be a force for good in every community we serve,” she says.
For example, Oysters Rock Hospitality has honored first responders, active-duty military and veterans with complimentary meals on Veterans Day. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the group provided hot meals to those in need.
See more: Discover “Fresh From Florida” in Your Day-to-Day Life
The leadership team is at the helm, but Sokos says many of the company’s 500 employees share a desire to serve the community. Restaurant staff has contributed to neighborhood events like the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace. Sokos says staff helped to raise thousands of dollars for Pace Center for Girls to fund brighter futures, providing them with a state-of-the-art facility and expanded programming.
Sokos will assume CEO duties following John’s retirement and plans to maintain the philanthropic mission while continuing to serve their guests Florida’s finest seafood and produce.
“Our journey forward begins with a singular vision: ensuring everyone at our tables knows they belong,” Sokos says. “Our history is rich with passion for hospitality and our renewed focus on a guest-centric culture will ensure our success long into the future.”