Popi's Place Moving Into New Spot in Lakewood Ranch

Popi's Place is expanding to East Manatee, just a little later than expected and in a different spot.

The family-owned group of American and Greek restaurants is set to open its Lakewood Ranch location this fall, "by September or October," owner Andy Ameres told Patch.

Popi's Place on the Ranch — the sixth Popi's location — will move into the new River Club Plaza shopping center, next to the Lakewood Ranch Walmart Supercenter on State Road 70.

The new restaurant had originally been slated to open this past spring in a smaller shopping plaza across the street at 8745 State Road 70, the Bradenton Herald reported. But that location "didn't work out," according to Ameres.

Ameres — son of founding chef Popi Ameres, who started the original Popi's in downtown Bradenton in the 1980s — said he's excited to be located at the gateway to Lakewood Ranch and to get involved with the local community.

He and his fiancee, Kalli Peros, will run the new restaurant after they return from their wedding in Greece later this summer.

Diners can expect the same home cooking and friendly service they've come to expect from the other Popi's locations. Popi's Place on the Ranch will serve beer and wine, and possibly liquor, Ameres said.

"A lot of good food at a good price," Ameres said. "That's what we're known for."

Visit popisplace.com for more info.

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