Shark-inspired Gulf-side restaurant expands in Florida
Aptly named for its location in Venice, Fla., which claims to be “The Shark Tooth Capitol of the World,” the restaurant Sharky’s On The Pier recently underwent a significant renovation and expansion, which included the addition of a 5,300 sq. ft. high-end sister restaurant known as Fins. The Fins structure is highlighted with custom roof accents that replicate shark fins.
Positioned on the beach at the 700-foot-long Venice Fishing Pier, aluminum was clearly the metal of choice for the structure’s roof in the corrosive saltwater environment. Approximately 10,500 sq. ft. of Petersen’s Snap-Clad .032 aluminum panels finished in Silver were installed. Silver is a PAC-CLAD Cool Color that contributes to a building’s energy efficiency. The panels were manufactured at Petersen’s plant in Acworth, Ga.
Panel testing for the high wind uplifts was a significant factor in the selection of Petersen, according to Dave Landis, architectural/technical sales manager. “We used Miami-Dade NOA engineering information to show that the .032 aluminum panels would exceed the wind load requirements for the job,” Landis said.
Architectural design for the project was created by Sweet Sparkman Architects in Sarasota. The firm and its consultants provided architectural and engineering services in phases so the restaurant could continue operating with minimal disruption.
Metal panel installation was performed by Crowther Roofing in Fort Myers, Fla.
Officially opened in 1987 at the site of what was once an outdated beach concession shack, Sharky’s has become a destination restaurant. “The original idea was to create a fun family dining experience on one of Florida’s most beautiful spots in Venice,” explains owner Mike Pachota. “We’ve done that, and now we’re moving forward with an expansion of the restaurant, offering more options for everyone.”
The restaurants include both casual and elegant indoor and outdoor dining plus a Tiki bar overlooking the beach where tourists and locals alike sunbathe and search for shark teeth.
Venice’s claim as “Shark Tooth Capitol of the World” is based on the fact that its Gulf beaches hold a bountiful cache of fossilized shark teeth. Ten million years ago, when Florida was submerged under water,the area was teeming with sharks.
