Daiquiri Deck
editDaiquiri Deck is an American restaurant/bar founded by Troy Syprett with associates Russell Matthes and Matt Grover in 1993. [1] Daiquiri Deck Siesta Key was the first location to open in Siesta Key, Florida, followed by locations at Madeira Beach, Florida in 1995, St. Armands Key in 2011 and the most recent Daiquiri Deck location opened in Venice, Florida in 2013.
History
editThe founder and president of Daiquiri Deck Troy Syprett was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida and is a University of Florida graduate. His idea of Daiquiri Deck came to him when he was dining at a restaurant called Fat Tuesday which is a bar that is known for its frozen drinks when he was visiting Key West, Florida. Syprett liked the idea of frozen drinks in a bar style venue and thought it would be a good idea in Sarasota and that is when his Daiquiri Deck's idea came to life.[2] In 1993, Troy opened the first Siesta Key location and within half of a year, he told his friend from his childhood Russell Matthes, who also attended the University of Florida that Daquiri Deck was on "fire". After hearing this news, Matthes quit his job at Steak & Ale and joined Syprett. "When we first opened, I felt like I was riding a tiger, and if I fell off, it would eat me,"Syprett said. Matt Grover, born in Maine and a graduate from the University of Maine, knew Syprett when they met in Sarasota area during the summer working in Siesta Key at the Peanut Gallery. Eventually, Grover invested in Daiquiri Deck and became a owner in the Business in 1999. A majority of the sales originally in 1993 were from alcohol it wasn't until the later years in 1999 where food was more prevalent.[3] "When the first Daiquiri Deck opened, more than 70% of sales were alcohol. Today, sales are approximately 60% food and 40% alcohol which is the key to the restaurant's longevity,"Russell Matthes said.[4] In 2008, John Hentschl was a executive chef at a company called Shooters International when he decided to move to the west coast of Florida. He eventually became the executive chef of the Columbia Restaurant on St. Armand's Key. He stayed at the Columbia Restaurant location in Florida for for 5 1/2 years until he relocated to the position of executive chef at Daiquiri Deck with their opening near his previous Columbia Restaurant in St. Armand's Key.[5]
Menu
editDaiquiri Deck has a interesting menu where they serve their famous Florida Gator bites, which is fresh chunks of alligator tail seasoned which is fried.[6]. Daiquiri Deck is famous for their wall of frozen drinks which serves happy hour everyday from 3 pm to 7 pm, a favorite on the island is the 2 for 1 drinks. Some of the most popular drinks include the St.Armand's Hurricane, Sex on Siesta #1 Beach and 1993 Margarita.
Entertainment
editMost evenings at the Daiquiri Deck, there are live performances by musical artist. Thursday nights, the deck has open acoustic mic for up and coming artist to showcase talent.[7] The deck has a 5 kilometer run that it host regularly, where participants who complete the run will receive a free daiquiri, domestic draft or smoothie.
Renovations
editThe most recently opened Daiquiri Deck location in Venice, is a 6,100 square foot restaurant which has a Caribbean-themed feel to it.[8]
References
edit- ^ "Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar". Daiquiri Deck. Digital Media. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- ^ "Welcome To Siesta Key". Siesta Key Chamber. Siesta Key Chamber Of Commerce. Retrieved 16 October 2015.
- ^ Hartill, Robin (August 13, 2014). "A Full Deck". No. 1. Your Observer. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ Hartill, Robin (August 13, 2014). "A Full Deck". No. 1. Your Observer. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ Hartill, Robin (August 13, 2014). "A Full Deck". No. 1. Your Observer. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
- ^ "Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar". Daiquiri Deck. Digital Media. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
- ^ Ettinger, Nita (January 15, 2015). "Sarasota Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar Serves Oysters And Cocktails In A Fun Atomsphere". Must DO. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
- ^ Hackett, Kim (May 2, 2012). "Daiquiri Deck To Open In Downtown Venice". Patrick Dorsey. Hearld Tribune. Retrieved 15 October 2015.