New Dining Destination Could Replace Caddy’s Bradenton After Hurricane Damage

Fans of Caddy’s Bradenton, the beloved waterfront restaurant that permanently closed following damage from Hurricane Milton, may soon have a new place to gather along the Riverwalk. The property, located at 801 Riverside Drive E, is owned by Baird Inc., a Sarasota-based investment firm led by entrepreneur Eric Baird, and is currently being evaluated for redevelopment.

Caddy’s, which first opened on St. Patrick's Day in 2017, operated on a month-to-month lease before the hurricane struck. Baird Inc. has managed the property for several years and is now exploring future opportunities for the prime riverside location. One possibility includes the revival of a previous plan to build a mixed-use development featuring a 400-unit apartment complex with a ground-floor waterfront restaurant.

The proposed complex could reach up to nine stories, offering residents sweeping views of the Manatee River and proximity to the Tarpon Pointe Marina, also owned by Baird Inc. This development would mark a transformation of the site, creating a new destination for both dining and living in downtown Bradenton.

As Baird Inc. assesses its options, no specific plans have been finalized, but the company aims to partner with a top-tier developer to bring new life to this key location.