Sharky’s On the Pier

Specialties

Fabulous food and drinks, smack dab on the Gulf on Venice Island, Florida! Sharky’s not only sits right on the beach in the Shark’s Tooth Capital of the World, it also boasts amazing sunsets, gorgeous views, and the best seafood around!

You don’t want to miss the delicious tropical frozen drinks, the grouper sandwiches, or the live music, all while enjoying delightful breezes from the Gulf of Mexico! That’s right, waterfront dining in Venice, Florida. Sharky’s extends a warm welcome to patrons of any age to dine, relax, and have fun. It doesn’t matter if you’re a local, a Florida Cracker, visiting grandma or grandpa, or just vacationing in Venice, Fl… We would love to meet you!

We truly hope you enjoy our great seafood, our fun, festive atmosphere, outstanding service, and an experience that represents the best of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Catch a glorious sunset, and dine in a relaxed, tropical atmosphere with fabulous food at Sharky’s on the Pier. Maybe even glimpse a Green Flash.

History

Established in 1987.

Greg Novack and Mike Pachota grew up near each other in a small suburb outside Detroit, Michigan. Neither Greg nor Mike realized that a friendship founded in 1968 would create the partnership they know today.

The boys from Detroit crossed paths many times, but it wasn’t until they each married, Greg to Marijo, and Mike to Donna, that they became business partners. While in Michigan, the Novack-​Pachota Crew grew to eight, with the addition of four beautiful children. In 1982, after several successful business ventures in Michigan, they headed South and began in Florida with the opening of «Patches,» their first restaurant in Venice.

In 1986, the Novacks and Pachotas won the bid to convert the site of a dilapidated beach concession into a restaurant, located at the base of the original fishing pier. Sharky’s officially opened on February 10, 1987 only 78 seats. Sharky’s has evolved into what is now a Venice, Florida landmark for fabulous food, fantastic sunsets, and live entertainment.

Meet the Business Owner

Mike P.

Business Owner

Celebrating the 25^th anniversary of Sharky’s on the Pier, owner Mike P has no intention of retiring. At Michigan State, he became close friends with Greg N, and in 1983 they bought Patches Restaurant in Venice. In 1986, when the City of Venice decided to rebuild the Venice Fishing Pier, it lloked for someone to put in a small concession stand and restaurant at the entrance. Mike and Greg won the contract. Adding a dining room in 1987, Sharky’s was born with seating for 78 diners. An outdoor deck was added in 1990 with seating for 150, and the Deck was added in 1992 with another 75 seats. Mike, with Mary C, co-​founded the Venice Shark’s Tooth Festival. A longtime Venice Area Chamber of Commerce member, he ensures the restaurant supports nonprofits, including the South County Family YMCA, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Children First, and more. Sharky’s deal with the City is a private/​public partnership, generating more than $ 400,000 in rent to the City annually.