WHAT IS ABOVE THE BAR?
Mike Javier Granthon, developed an entrepreneurial spirit as a young child while making and selling ice pops along the beaches of Peru. After selling out one day, he was struck by a car and required medical treatment in America. Once in America, Mike never left and found employment as a dishwasher, but was determined to move his way up the ladder to management while in his early twenties. Hospitality and the drive to make guests happy were rooted deep in his blood, likely from watching his mother work in the hotel industry for years. He eventually came to Sarasota as a restaurant manager, married and settled down.
A solid foundation where food, beverage, and service unite passionate and empowered individuals to create memorable guest experiences
In 2006, Chris and Mike joined forces. Chris’s real estate knowledge paired with Mike’s aptitude for hospitality were and continue to be a winning recipe to propel the Sarasota/Siesta Key area into their very own small bustling operation. Their combination of hard work, determination and perseverance resulted in one of the most successful nightclubs in town The Beach Club, established in 1947. Soon after, The Hub Baja Grill was conceptualized in 2008
The Cottage emerged in 2011. Both restaurant concepts have proven to be integral in the development of the Ocean Boulevard and Avenida Messina intersection. The duo flourished, becoming investors in multiple ventures in downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key and Osprey. As the Siesta Key businesses grew, Chris and Mike partnered with local businessmen/restaurateur, Peter Geannopulos to open a premier sports bar located on US 41 in Osprey. That establishment, Mad Moes’s is a nod to Chris’s daughters, Madison and Morgan.
Looking to expand and enter the downtown area, the twosome collaborated with creative mastermind Brian Duarte, to own and operate one the area’s most iconic bars known as Smokin Joe’s. Chris and Mike share passions…real estate, hospitality and family. It is evident that there is no end in sight as they débuted their most recent and extensive project, Siesta Key Summer House Steak and Seafood on March 19, 2018. The Summer House has become known for its’ fine dining and is notably receiving rave reviews and is quickly becoming an exclusive dining destination for creating special memories through exquisite service, carefully sourced food and hand selected wines.
As the businesses have grown, it became apparent that establishing an umbrella corporation was an important step forward. Thus, the Above the Bar Hospitality Group was established, pledging to maintain company standards as they anticipate a very exciting year, with the opening of a fifth Siesta Key location premiering in early 2019—My Village Pub (MVP’S) coming soon. It is evident that Chris, Mike, Peter, and Brian are major players in the future of Sarasota’s hospitality industries’ continued growth.
The Beach club
Day or Night, have the time of your life
Whether you’re on the key to enjoy the beach, watch sports, listen to live music, or go out for a night or dancing, we have it all. Beach Club has been operating on Siesta Key since 1947 and has provided a consistently friendly and fun experience. With the best happy hour on the key, the best music, and the best atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Beach Club.
THE HUB BAJA GRILL
The Hub Baja Grill has been serving up fresh Baja cuisine for locals and tourists alike since 2008. The Hub Baja Grill’s famous Grouper fish tacos, hand-made lobster bisque and other Latin American and tropical inspired creations are sure to exceed expectations of the most discerning palate. We offer indoor dining and a covered patio on the sidewalk. We offer live music day and night.
THE COTTAGE
The Cottage, located in the heart of Siesta Key Village, offers a eclectic dining experience; Inspired by the flavors of the world, fresh local seafood and progressive cooking techniques. Dine al fresco with 2 outdoor dining patios! We celebrate “Old Florida Charm” with a modern twist.
JOE’S
Whether you stop by for a quick drink or camp out for the day in our comfortable establishment, Joe’s welcomes you. Our local bar is a regular destination for vacationers and nearby Sarasota residents, FL with a wide selection of drinks, specials, and events to keep them entertained all day and all night. Our staff is happy to serve out-of-town visitors and long-time locals alike with a smile and a cool glass of their favorite spirits.
SIESTA KEY SUMMER HOUSE
STEAK AND SEAFOOD
The name is synonymous with Siesta Key, with a rich history of creating memorable experiences. The new Summer House will pay homage to creating great experiences with a brand new concept. Summer House was named the Number 9 “Most Romantic Restaurant” in the United States by Tripadvisor.
Proudly serving the finest hand selected cuts from the most prestigious ranches including, Niman Ranch, Revier Cattle Company and Snake River Farms. These companies are industry leaders in growing and producing some of the finest meat—all natural and self-sustained. Our hand cut steaks are specially selected, seasoned to perfection and cooked on the 1200-degree Montague Grill, simply outstanding in flavor and tenderness.
MAD MOES
Mad Moe’s first opened in 2014. It was started by three friends who were looking to create a casual, neighborhood spot to gather, eat good food and watch sports. They weren’t sure if the concept would take off in the quiet town of Osprey Florida. To their good fortune, people soon found Mad Moe’s and liked what it offered. Over the years, Mad Moe’s has come to be known as a local hangout often compared to a Cheers atmosphere. People come for the food and stay for the friends!
MVP SIESTA KEY
More Than 44+ Televisions and 20 Draft Beers
When we sat down to think about it, there was no true sports bar on Siesta Key. Somewhere you could grab a draft beer, a plate of hot wings, and catch your favorite sporting event. We decided to fix that. MVP features both inside and covered outdoor sections for our bar and restaurant seating, along with an open air deck by the street – great for people watching.
We know how to do it right.