A Lakewood Ranch steakhouse survived difficult time. Why it’s now sizzling with success

James A. Jones Jr.
·3 min read

When B & B Chophouse and Market opened in September 2020, the workers and diners were wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

The first year of the pandemic was a frightening and uncertain time.

But partners Ron Fuller and Steve Bishop and their staff found a way forward and adapted to changing conditions.

B&B Chophouse, 8205 Natures Way, is still adapting and adjusting as the Bradenton area’s vibrant restaurant scene rebounds and grows.

Chris Burkey, a member of the management team at Excellence in Restaurants LLC, owners of B&B Chophouse, says that in addition to culinary skill and gracious hospitality, a restaurant needs to be creative to stand out.

B & B Chophouse has positioned itself between high-end restaurants like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and popular eateries like Texas Roadhouse by keeping its prices diner friendly while also adding high-end items.

B & B Chophouse and Market, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch, serves a Jack’s Creek Australian Wagyu seak so large that the sides have to go on separate plate.
B & B Chophouse and Market, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch, serves a Jack’s Creek Australian Wagyu seak so large that the sides have to go on separate plate.

In addition to its USDA prime beef, B&B offers Jack’s Creek Australian Wagyu, regarded as one of the finest steaks available.

“It’s a step up from USDA prime,” Bishop said.

B & B’s signature Angus prime offers diners a great quality cut of meat at a great price, Bishop says. Steaks are aged a minimum of 30 days for maximum tenderness and flavor.

Signature Angus offerings include prime rib ($35 for 10 ounce, $42 for 14 ounce), filet mignon ($39 for 8 ounces, $46 for 10 ounces), ribeye ($38).

Key staff at B & B Chophouse and Market include, from left, general manager Kit Bradman, partner Steve Bishop, executive chef Jacob Rodibaugh and management team member Chris Burkey.
Key staff at B & B Chophouse and Market include, from left, general manager Kit Bradman, partner Steve Bishop, executive chef Jacob Rodibaugh and management team member Chris Burkey.

Wednesday night, prime rib is offered at a discounted price of $19.95. Not surprisingly, Wednesday is one of the restaurant’s busiest nights.

B & B also offers early dinner deals from 3 to 4 p.m. weeknights, starting at $20.

For those who prefer something other than a steak, B & B has a “not steak” menu section, including scallops, pasta and buttermilk fried chicken.

B & B bar offerings include 150 labels, among them, 15 Stars bourbon and rye whiskey. The Bardstown, Kentucky, distiller is a New York World Spirits competition gold medalist.

B & B Chophouse and Market prides itself on its bourbon and rye collection, including the high-end 15 Stars, and the locally produced Signature Blended Whiskey.
B & B Chophouse and Market prides itself on its bourbon and rye collection, including the high-end 15 Stars, and the locally produced Signature Blended Whiskey.

B & B also features Signature Blended Whiskey produced for the restaurant by Steve Milligan of Loaded Cannon Distillery in Lakewood Ranch.

For those who want to sample the spirits at B & B, flights in four small glasses with one-half ounce of whiskey in each are available.

B&B also serves brews from Motorworks Brewing in Bradenton: Longboat Light lager and V-Twin lager.

Whiskey barrel staves line the walls at B&B Chophouse and Market, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch.
Whiskey barrel staves line the walls at B&B Chophouse and Market, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch.

“Everything that we do is to be everyone’s favorite steakhouse in Lakewood Ranch,” Bishop said.

So, B & B has expanded seating to about to about 150 inside and 60 outside.

In addition to its regular hours, B & B serves brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The brunch menu includes avocado toast, wild blueberry waffles and omelettes.

B&B Chophouse and Market, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch, has expanded and covered its outdoor seating area.
B&B Chophouse and Market, 8205 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch, has expanded and covered its outdoor seating area.

“We are filling a niche. We are catering to guests. We want to be their go-to steakhouse for dinner, for celebrations and special events,” General Manager Kit Bradman said.

A key factor in making B & B a lively restaurant and bar is the staff, Bishop said.

“Our biggest strength is our people,” he said. “We are loyal to our people and we have some great long-term staff.”

What to know about B & B

Location: 8205 Natures Way in Lakewood Ranch’s San Marco Plaza.

Days and hours: 3-10 p.m. seven days a week. In addition, on Saturdays and Sundays, brunch is served 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Happy hour: 3-6 p.m. daily

Live entertainment: Tony and Tasha, most Fridays and Saturdays

The deli market at B&B Chophouse is located near the front entrance of the restaurant.
The deli market at B&B Chophouse is located near the front entrance of the restaurant.

Market: A variety of cuts of meat are offered at the deli counter in the front foyer

Online: bandbchophouse.com/

Phone: 941-893-5403