Rookies Says Goodbye to Marco Island

Longtime Marco Island restaurant Rookies Bar & Grill has closed. The restaurant officially shut its doors in May after over 24 years in business.

Rookies originally opened in 1992, back when Marco was a completely different island. The laid back bar and grill quickly became a staple for locals and visitors alike. Perhaps best known for their burgers, crab cakes, homemade hot sauce and beer specials, Rookies will without a doubt be missed.

But there’s good news! While the Rookies Bar & Grill as we know it is has closed, a new restaurant will be opening in its place.

Sean Shea, longtime part owner of Rookies and his wife Jamie, of the Marco Island Brewery, have recently taken over the business. Plans are well underway for their new restaurant, which they hope to open within the next three to four months.

“We want it to remain a fun, familyfriendly

environment,” said Jamie Shea. “It’s still going to be a sports bar.”

The duo is planning a complete renovation of the inside. According to Jamie everything from the bathrooms to the ceilings will be updated. They also plan on installing a new bar.

Jamie assured the Coastal Breeze News that the new restaurant will still have all the basics, such as burgers and wings. But they plan on introducing some nicer dishes including pasta, fish and steaks.

As for the new name? Jamie says they’ve landed on The Salty Dog of Marco Island.

While it’s always sad to say goodbye to a beloved restaurant, islanders can take comfort in the fact that longtime part owner Sean Shea and Jamie are stepping up and creating something new and exciting.

Look out for The Salty Dog of Marco Island! It will be located in the same spot, 599 S. Collier Blvd # 105.