TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

'Stay Tuned': Popular Catches May Reopen

ADVERTISEMENT

By CHRISTIAN M. WADE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 23, 2007

PORT RICHEY - They shut the doors with little warning about three months ago, laid off the managers and wait staff, and hung a "closed" sign outside the riverfront building.
Hungry mouths across west Pasco County lamented the eatery's apparent demise.

Now, it seems, Catches Waterfront Grille is planning to reopen.

Over the past week, the seafood restaurant's brightly lighted sign over the U.S. 19 bridge has flashed an alert: "Closed for Renovations" and "Stay Tuned."

Owner Michael L. Lowe could not be reached to talk about his intentions.

Ed Winch, the city's building inspector, said he recently heard from Catches' operators about a plan to renovate and reopen, but they have not provided details.

"That's what they're telling us," Winch said. "When and if they'll reopen, I don't know."
Winch inspected the property Wednesday and said the renovations are minor. The restaurant's business license recently expired and needs to be renewed, he added.

The restaurant, which opened on the banks of the Pithlachascotee River about 11 years ago and has become a landmark with its red metal roof, has been a popular meeting place for politicians, nonprofit group and civic organizations.
City officials had identified the restaurant as an anchor business in a long-term plan to redevelop the waterfront and were surprised when it suddenly closed.

Lowe, who operates Catches under East Lake LLC, also owns Port Hudson Marina and Increte Systems, a concrete manufacturing company based in Odessa.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (727) 815-1082 or cwade@tampatrib.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT