Mattison’s Riverside to Become Pier 22 Restaurant-Patio-Ballroom

is about to be transformed into the Pier 22 Restaurant after the owners decided to split from the Mattison Company.

The Miller Family, which developed and has owned the riverfront restaurant since 1976, has decided not to renew the name licensing agreement with the Mattison Company, it said Monday in a news release. But they say little will change at the restaurant.

A celebration to highlight the transition will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1. The party will include live music and prizes, complimentary wine tastings, menu samplings and an offering of specialty drinks.

Greg Campbell, the executive chef and general manager, has been working with the Miller Family for more than five years and will remain in charge of all day to day operations. The Millers will also keep the sous chef, kitchen manager, front of the house and marketing teams in place.

The owners decided to continue the business under a broader name more closely related to Bradenton's riverfront. "Pier 22" comes from the pier on which the restaurant stands and the red channel marker 22 on the Manatee River that leads into the Twin Dolphin Marina and restaurant.

In making their decision not to renew the lease, the Miller family said it decided it did not want restaurant-goers to be confused with the Mattison name and what their restaurants offer in Sarasota. The Millers detailed some of the differences, including the sushi bar offered at the Bradenton restaurant, a different menu, the whole fish procurement and preparation process and their reputation for making all of their dishes from scratch. 

“I am really excited about our new name," said Hugh Miller, the managing general partner for the restaurant and marina, in the release. "I feel it gives the restaurant a more modern look and better represents the expansive and creative menu our culinary team has created over the years.”

Campbell is also looking forward to the transformation.

“My culinary team and the entire staff are not resting on our past successes," he said. "We are striving every day to continue growing and refining our innovative menu and fine points of service."

Pier 22 will continue to offer a full sushi bar and its fresh whole fish procurement program. The expanded patio and riverside terrace provide a setting for al fresco dining and special events.

Campbell will continue to offer his cooking classes and special recipes. You can follow the executive chef on Facebook to keep track of his offerings.

"Our goal is to continue to improve on our performance and exceed our guest expectations," Campbell said. "We understand we are only as good as our guest’s last experience.”

Pier 22 is located in downtown Bradenton at 1200 1^st Ave. W. For more information or reservations call 941-748-8087 or visit www.pier22dining.com.