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Hernando Today

Succulent Seafood On The Water

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By TONY HOLT, Hernando Today

Published: January 21, 2008

HERNANDO BEACH - There are plenty of seafood restaurants located on the water.

Then there are those rare places that pull fish, shrimp and crabs out of the water, cook them and serve them to those same customers who watched them come off the boats 20 minutes earlier.

That is what it is like everyday at the Tropical Storm Beach Bar and Grill, which opened along Caliente Street in November.

"We're right on the water within five minutes away from the Gulf," said owner Henry Ventry. "Being located close to the Gulf is a good thing."

Employees and customers also build a fire pit during the weekends. They sit around it, drink beer, and sing. Sometimes, someone is there strumming a guitar.

"It's definitely Key West style," Ventry said.

A lot goes on inside the restaurant, which is divided into the main sections - the bar, the outdoor deck and the recreation room. The latter contains a pool table, dart board and bowling arcade.

The owner hopes to attract enough customers who would be interested in starting leagues. All he needs is more customers. That is normal for a fledgling business, but Ventry is committed to getting the word out.

He thinks the restaurant's biggest draw is the menu.

"We have all you can eat stone crabs fresh out of the boat," he said, "and the best wings you'll ever eat."

There is also Gulf shrimp, daily specials on fish and other seafood dishes, T-bone steaks, sandwiches and a full-liquor bar.

"This is the only place in Hernando Beach with actual sand," Ventry joked.

Shrimp and crab boats cruise along the water outside. Customers watch as the fishermen carry their crates filled with shellfish and other varieties onto the dock.

Ventry, 32, knows many of the boaters and is on the front line among those who collect what they catch. Nothing that comes off the boats and into the restaurant winds up in the freezer, he said.

That is why it is important for him to establish a larger customer base. There is plenty of fresh food to be had, but it must always be fresh. Freezing it and thawing it out later is not an option.

"They come in here before work," Ventry said of those who go out on the boats. "It is a working dock. People go fishing and crabbing everyday. From the back, you can see it all."

There are live acts that perform some nights during the week. The owner hired attractive women to bartend, serve and host.

In the coming weeks, he hopes to install a 200-gallon predator tank with sharks and eels.

The atmosphere is casual and child-friendly. Take out also is available.

Ventry, who has 10 years in the restaurant business, said he was drawn to Hernando Beach because of the strong sense of community. There are customers - even a few other businesses - who want to see upstart establishments succeed.

"We just want to see more people come out," he said. "We need about 50 people here a night for it to be a good night."

Ventry, whose vigor is obvious from the first few seconds you meet him, is working hard to add more flair to the restaurant and to get the word out in and around Hernando County. Already he has regulars traveling from other areas to see him every other week.

He hopes some of the local businesses develop more of a team concept. He thinks larger crowds in Hernando Beach would benefit everyone.

"If we can get more people to come from the area, that would be good," he said. "The local businesses here definitely should stick together."

Biz At A Glance:

Name of biz: The Tropical Storm Beach Bar & Grill

Owner/manager: Henry Ventry

What it is: seafood restaurant, bar with outdoor seating and game room

Where it is: 4417 Calienta St.

Hours of operation: 4 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday

Get in touch: 352-592-2420

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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