ANNA MARIA – Bortell’s Lounge is on the market with a $7.2 million asking price.
Pat Bucko is serving as the broker for Bortell’s Lounge owner Steve Rose.
According to Bucko’s online listing, the purchase includes the land, the 2,850-square-foot building, the business and a 4COP dual liquor license that allows for consumption on premises and package liquor sales.
According to the listing, “Bortell’s Lounge first opened its doors in 1977 and has been an Anna Maria institution ever since. What makes Bortell’s legendary is the long history with the locals and vacationers that have created lifelong memories and friendships over the past 46 years.
“The current owner purchased the building and business in 2015 knowing it was going to need an extensive remodel and in 2018 he closed the doors and began the process. After three years of planning, engineering, construction and blood, sweat and beers, Bortell’s reopened in 2021,” the listing notes.
When contacted by The Sun, Rose shared his thoughts on selling Bortell’s.
“It’s just time. I always knew I was buying it to do a renovation and I’ve achieved what I wanted to do. I’ve got some other projects I want to do and it’s the right time to move on. I’ve got a couple things in the hopper that I’m excited about but nothing under contract yet,” he said.
“Bortell’s is for sale but people shouldn’t worry. It was a bar for 40 years when I bought it and I developed it in a way that I believe it will stay a bar for 40 more years. I can’t imagine anybody buying it and doing anything other than that. I’m not expecting a quick sale. We’re still pouring drinks six days a week and we’re firing up the pizza ovens and bringing pizza back beginning on Tuesday (June 13),” Rose said.
“Owning Bortell’s has truly been a dream come true for me. It’s helped me check so many things off my personal bucket list that I had to update my list. I moved to the Island and bought a dive bar. It’s like something from a Jimmy Buffett song. I did not get to this place alone. I owe thanks to everyone who has and does work for me, as well as a huge list of vendors, contractors and sub-contractors, as well as a few people that were just at the right place and time to help us out,” Rose said.
