BRADENTON, FL, June 29, 2021: Anna Maria Oyster Bar, with four locations throughout Manatee County, has hired its first Chief Operating Officer in the company’s 25-year history. The AMOB family is proud to welcome Chris Frawley to its team to improve business operations, with a keen eye on growth and expansion plans for the beloved brand. Frawley spent 27 years with Miller’s Ale House, where he oversaw that company’s growth and led the operations of 95 stores across the Southeastern United States.
“Chris Frawley and I have known each other through our work with the State Board of Directors for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association for many years,” says Anna Maria Oyster Bar CEO John Horne. “During the pandemic, we spent many virtual hours together – collaborating to develop best practices for the state hospitality industry and in that time, we developed a strong connection. We are thrilled that Chris has joined the AMOB Family to expand our business and optimize our day-to-day operations. I’m confident he will serve a pivotal role in charting the company’s future for years to come.”
Frawley says, “I feel like Marty McFly in ‘Back to the Future.’ When I began my career in Jupiter, FL, with Jack Miller, there were only 6 Miller’s Ale House locations with potential to grow more. It feels serendipitous. And, to that end, I see the potential in the Anna Maria Oyster Bar brand thanks to its legions of raving fans. More importantly, I saw how John Horne’s leadership ensured that the AMOB Family was taken care of during the pandemic, paying the entire restaurant staff during the 7-week shutdown. It’s an honor to join a team that has such a strong culture of employee appreciation and vision for the future.”
Chris Frawley has more than 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry and extensive operational knowledge. He has been married to his best friend, Sherry, for 32 years and together they have four daughters: Briana, Devin, Jillian, and McKenna. His knowledge of the industry stems from bussing tables at the age of 15 in South Florida, where he grew up. Outside of the hospitality industry, Chris enjoys hunting, boating and spending time with his girls and grandkids. His favorite place to vacation is Anna Maria Island and he’s been visiting the area for more than 15 years.
Anna Maria Oyster Bar Locations:
Landside: 6906 14th Street West, Bradenton, FL
Cortez: 6696 Cortez Road, Bradenton, FL
Ellenton: 1525 51st Avenue East, Ellenton, FL
Pier: Bridge Street Pier, Bradenton Beach, FL
About Anna Maria Oyster Bar: Celebrating more than 20 years serving great food at a great value in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Visit our four coastal-inspired locations at Landside, Cortez, Ellenton, and the “A-Bridge Street Version” on the historic Bridge Street Pier on Bradenton Beach.
“Our casual seafood restaurants have a beach feel, reminiscent of our early days on the Anna Maria Island Pier. We started as one small oyster bar and grew into one of Bradenton’s most beloved seafood restaurants. Our coastal-inspired menu showcases traditional favorites like fresh seafood, lobster, crab, steaks, pasta, chicken, soups and salads, fish specials and more. And of course, we wouldn’t be an oyster bar if we didn’t have delicious oysters available in a variety of preparations.”
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar family’s strong commitment to educational initiatives is evidenced through Dive into Reading, a national award-winning summer reading program for grade schoolers in partnership with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading; the Horne & Moon Scholarship Fund for adults looking to further their schooling; and annual support for PACE Center for Girls – among other projects. AMOB’s “Gran Jefe” John Horne is a Trustee on the State College of Florida Board and also received the institution’s first Honorary Degree in Philanthropy.
