Rod N’ Reel Pier to Temporarily Relocate After Storms Devastate Historic Waterfront Location
After over 75 years at its iconic spot on the water, the Rod N’ Reel Pier restaurant is preparing for a temporary move inland. The beloved eatery, long known for its picturesque setting and loyal following, will soon operate from a storefront in the heart of Anna Maria Island while reconstruction efforts begin on its original pier site.
The new location will take over the space formerly occupied by Old Hamburg Schnitzelhaus. While an official reopening date has not been confirmed, the move allows the restaurant to continue serving the community during the lengthy rebuild process.
The original Rod N’ Reel Pier suffered catastrophic damage during Hurricanes Helen and Milton late last year. The historic structure was left nearly unrecognizable, with only the wooden pier leading up to the restaurant remaining intact. The storms forced a complete shutdown of the business, which had been a staple on the island for generations.
In the wake of the destruction, owner Oliver Lemke launched a GoFundMe campaign to preserve the restaurant’s legacy and help fund its recovery. The response has been overwhelming, with over $90,000 raised since November from locals and visitors who fondly remember the waterfront landmark.
Lemke, who relocated from Germany to the Suncoast in late 2023 to take over the business, faced a series of hurdles in the aftermath of the storms. One major challenge was the lack of insurance coverage for the damaged structure, partly due to its precarious location in the Gulf.
Despite the setbacks, the restaurant's leadership remains committed to reviving the Rod N’ Reel experience. Plans are underway to rebuild on the pier, though the timeline remains uncertain given the scale of the project and the permitting involved.
For now, the new storefront location offers a bridge between Rod N’ Reel Pier's past and future, keeping the restaurant's spirit alive in the heart of the island while work continues to restore its original home.
