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our historyTony's Seafood Restaurant started operations in June of 2005, when Tony's brother Eric purchased a defunct Cedar Key restaurant (located in the present building) that most considered one of the worst places to eat in town. Eric then invited his brother and soon to be the restaurant's namesake, Tony, to come assist with the new venture. Tony flew in from his upstate New York home. Eric's business associates Sam and Lisa joined the team, and Cedar Key culinary history was now in the making. New to both Cedar Key and the restaurant industry, the brothers faced a wealth of challenges. One thing was made clear right from the very beginning; Tony's Seafood would only serve the finest, freshest seafood available on the market. That commitment holds true today and it's a promise that Tony's guarantees will not be broken. Many in town wondered, "who are these outsiders and what are they doing here?" Two locals had no problem becoming instant friends. Longtime Cedar Key Fisherman Charles (Mo) Beckham and Blue Crabber Earl Brown befriended Tony and Eric. They pointed out "the best way is the fresh way" and for over three years now Tony's has only purchased the highest quality, freshest seafood from these two honorable gentlemen.
Special Thanks to "The World's Greatest Mom" and Tony's Culinary inspiration.
Dec. 14, 1924 - March 09, 2009
Soon the "new kids in town" became recognized as a quality establishment dedicated to a fresh menu. Locals took notice. Visitors to Cedar Key raved at the food and the presentation as well as the great service. In July 2005, the brothers agreed a signature clam chowder was needed. Eric, who had previously spent 12 years in New England, discovered a spice blend that took the chowder to an unbelievable new level. Lacking a soup kettle to hold the chowder, Eric brought his home crock pot into the kitchen. Later, the idea of holding the hot chowder in a crock pot helped blend its varied seasoned spices and a taste sensation was born. As people started trying the chowder, its popularity grew. Small portions turned into larger pots and today it's made fresh daily by the gallons. Dan Dewitt of the St. Petersburg Times raved in a recent article that Tony's clam chowder is a "masterpiece" and the "best clam chowder he ever dipped a spoon into". Thousands of other guests have given dining room testimonials to the fact. Dozens of e-mails are received weekly asking for chowder availability on line. Bon Appetite magazine even requested a copy of the chowder recipe. Tony's appreciated the request but it was declined. Just before summers' end in 2005, a new menu was created with Tony's new signature dish, The Tony's Platter, consisting of fresh Grouper, Oysters, Cedar Key farm raised Clams, Sea Scallops, Local Blue Crabs and fresh gulf Shrimp. The platter was an instant hit. Diners loved it. The Tony's Platter became a must-have meal for many diners, including the Tampa talk show host M.J. of the "M.J. in the Morning Show" who proclaimed on the air that his Tony's Platter was a great seafood experience. In the late fall of 2005 Tony decided to return to his New York home. Tony's contribution was vital to the restaurant's eventual success. Tony's warm personality with patrons and his dedication to the cause was invaluable. Nobody worked harder and cared more about the restaurant that bore his name. Early in 2006, sales and popularity grew at Tony's. Suddenly everybody talking about food in Cedar Key was talking about Tony's. Diners would remark to servers that nearly everyone would say, "Go to Tony's". Suddenly, the restaurant that nobody knew much about was winning people over with great food. An Article published in Florida Magazine proclaimed Tony's as "THE place to dine while in Cedar Key". Lines would form outside waiting on a table. Most everybody who dined in Cedar Key had to eat at Tony's. Later, Tony’s added electric carts to build Cedar Key’s only food delivery business. In 2007, Tony’s had the honor of having U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and his wife dine at the restaurant. A letter received later thanked Tony's for what Senator Nelson called “one of the best seafood meals” that he and his wife have ever had. Any day, at any time, it’s not unusual to see patrons snapping pictures of the plates and platters. The presentation of the food at Tony’s is second to none. Tony’s features a variety of creative specialty dinnerware shaped in the image of boats, fish and platters fit for royalty. Today, Tripadvisor.com ranks Tony’s as Cedar Key’s #1 restaurant based on diners’ reviews. Tony’s also offers a fully equipped Concession Trailer for parties, catering, grand openings, festivals and weddings. Tony’s mobile food unit will bring such favorites as the famous Clam Chowder to any event. The future of Tony’s is bright and full of new adventures. Tony’s appreciates all it’s loyal customers and the Tony’s Chowder Nation that grows daily. Order some today on line. Invite your friends and family and enjoy the greatest tasting Clam Chowder the world has to offer!
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Tony's Seafood Restaurant597
2nd Street Hours:Sunday - Thursday 11:30A-8PFriday - Saturday 11:30A-10PSeasonal dinner hours could vary during the weekdays (Monday thru Thursday). We request that you please call ahead to verify our closing hour. |
testimonials"Embarrassing to be from New England to say, Tony's Cedar Key Clam Chowder IS THE BEST I ever had". "We literally kept going back to have more." "WE LOVED IT"! "Well done"! "BEST CLAM CHOWDER IN THE WORLD" "TOOK HOME A QUART FROM THE FESTIVAL, IT WAS GONE QUICKLY. MY HUSBAND AND I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BEST CHOWDER WE EVER HAD". Michelle, Cape Coral "AWWWESOMMMMME CLAM CHOWDER" "BEST BOWL OF CLAM CHOWDER I EVER DIPPED A SPOON INTO" "BEST CLAM CHOWDER WE HAVE EVER HAD" "ONE OF THE BEST SEAFOOD MEALS MY WIFE AND
I HAVE EVER ENJOYED" "WE WOULD BE MOST GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD
SEND US YOUR RECIPE FOR CLAM CHOWDER" "HONESTLY, THE BEST SEAFOOD IN CEDAR KEY" "HAD THE CHOWDER AT THE FESTIVAL, I'M HOOKED. IT'S THE BEST I EVER TASTED" Mark M., Cape Coral |
