The owners of Moss Marina have purchased 340 & 401 Old San Carlos Boulevard, as well as 935 & 939 Third Street — which includes the popular Smokin’ Oyster Brewery restaurant and bar. The sale price was not announced.
The Feeland’s, who’ve owned Moss Marina for decades, are attempting to redevelop the property they own next to Snug Harbor restaurant. The plan includes several hotels, retail shops and a boardwalk near the water. The redevelopment plan has been presented to the community and local elected officials several times and the next step would be to submit final plans to the town.
S.O.B. and the property across the street, which included a small merchandise building
that was destroyed in the storm and a daily parking public lot, was owned by Bill Freeman. The restaurant also suffered extensive damage in Ian. Video footage during the storm showed storm surge down Old San Carlos reaching the very top of the restaurant. It’s unknown, at this time, if repairs to the restaurant are above or below FEMA’s 50% threshold.
In recent years S.O.B. has been run by Bill Freeman’s son Reid who was also the chef. The Moss Marina team said Freeman wanted to sell everything at once. Bill Freeman didn’t return a request for comment. Reid Freeman, who recently opened a new restaurant on Pine island, told us he had no idea S.O.B. was sold.
The Freeland’s say they purchased the properties for the following reasons:
– To reduce traffic down residential streets (Bonita Street and Harbour Court) by creating the ARCHES entrance on Old San Carlos Boulevard. Traffic on these residential streets was perhaps the biggest concern from the open house.
– To increase accessibility to the ARCHES Bayfront development (if approved).
– To reactivate Old San Carlos Boulevard by reopening the Smokin Oyster Brewery.
The Freelands say they are excited to rebuild the original SOB and are actively seeking another local family/restauranteur to keep the Smokin Oyster Brewery legacy alive. If you or someone you know is interested in relocating their restaurant to the SOB location, send a message to www.ARCHESBayfront.com, The goal is to rebuild — as it was — and reopen within 12 months.
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