The Manatee County dining scene has seen several new openings recently.
Here’s a look at the new restaurants.
Au P’tit Bonheur
Downtown Bradenton has a taste of France with the addition of Au P’tit Bonheur at 312 Old Main St.
Fanette Maquet and her husband, Maq, own the restaurant serving French classics such as Croque Monsieur, Quiche Lorraine, Sandwich Parisien, croissants and more.
“All our recipes are simple,” Fanette said. “There are no gastronomic recipes. It’s simple … if you came to our family, you can eat this in our home. It’s a family recipe.”
For more information, visit Au P’tit Bonheur’s Facebook page.
A new French cafe, Au P’tit Bonheur, has opened in downtown Bradenton. The cafe serves pastries, breakfast and lunch. Shown on August 12, 2026.
BubbaQue’s
A popular spot returned to East Manatee after a two-year hiatus. Hillsborough County-based BubbaQue’s recently opened at 6310 53rd Ave. E. in a space previously occupied by Taco Bell and Long John Silver’s. The barbecue restaurant’s first foray into Manatee County was on the north side of State Road 70.
That was a franchised unit, while the new location is run by the founding family. They serve homemade Southern barbecue with signature dishes such as the Texas brisket, St. Louis ribs and chicken wings.
“What we pride ourselves on is great barbecue and great hospitality,” owner Tarek Kazbour said. “Our service is second to none. When the customer comes in, the experience is all about that.”
For more information, visit www.BubbaQuesBBQ.com/Bradenton.
Baby back ribs at BubbaQue’s at 6310 53rd Avenue East on August 26, 2026.
Just Salad
The innovative healthy restaurant, Just Salad, opened its first area location at The Market at University Town Center. The company, which started in New York City in 2006, features salads, smoothies, bowls, plates and wraps.
When customers order a bowl, they can pick from two different reusable bowl options.
Both reusable bowl options reduce carbon emissions and waste, the company said.
Just Salad is located at 5231 University Parkway, Unit 113.
For more information, visit JustSalad.com.
Signature meals at Just Salad which recently filed paperwork to renovate a space at The Market at UTC shopping center to open its first restaurant in Manatee County.
Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza
The area’s first Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza opened in the same plaza as Just Salad. Located at 5231 University Parkway, Unit 111, the restaurant began in Miami. It derives its name from the United States government’s O-1 visa designation, the Miami Herald previously reported. The visa designation is for “individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement.”
Chef Renato Viola founded the restaurant, which features dough fermented between 72 and 96 hours. Signature pizzas include a 13-inch pie crafted in a star shape “with a pouch of ricotta cheese in each of the eight points,” the Miami Herald previously reported.
For more information, visit MisterO1.com.
Rita’s Italian Ice
The first Rita’s Italian Ice in Parrish is open. The quick-service chain specializing in frozen desserts is located in the Creekside Commons plaza at 8730 U.S. 301 N.
Rita’s slogan aims at providing “ice custard happiness.” The menu features 95 rotating flavors of Italian ice, frozen custard and gelati, which is layers of Italian ice with frozen custard.
For more information, visit www.RitasIce.com.
Rita’s Italian Ice is planned for Shoppes at University Town Center in Manatee County. This is the shop at the Lakewood Ranch Gateway Shopping Center on Feb. 24, 2025.
Chipotle
A popular fast-casual chain, Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its newest Manatee County restaurant recently along State Road 70 at 5320 33rd St. E.
Chipotle is known for its build-your-own burritos, burrito bowls and chips and salsa.
For more information, visit www.Chipotle.com.
Chipotle at 5002 Cortez Road West, Bradenton on July 1, 2026.
Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings GO
Two chain restaurants have combined to share a space at 5425 69th St. E.
Jimmy John’s serves subs with various toppings, while the Buffalo Wild Wings inclusion is a stripped down version of its sit-down restaurant. Buffalo Wild Wings GO is a takeout and delivery store with traditional and boneless wings, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, sauces and more offered on its menu.
For more information, visit www.JimmyJohns.com and www.BuffaloWildWings.com.
Dining and Cooking