Members of the Salty Shamrock team, from left, Sean Rice, Aine Rice, Della Rafferty and Peter Rafferty. Lisa Stark photos.
If you celebrated St. Paddy’s Day in Apollo Beach this year, you most likely were part of the three-day grand opening of the Salty Shamrock, which featured authentic Irish food, drink, music and a crowd of party-minded locals tipping their hats to the traditions of the Irish. Bagpipes, Irish dancers, shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, and other traditional Irish fare was featured, along with music supplied by the Tampa Bay Pipe and Drum Band and “Among the Bushes,” who came over from Ireland just to perform for the event.
The owner of the Salty Shamrock, Sean Rice, said, “Everyone, including neighbors and businesses, have welcomed us here in Apollo Beach.” Rice, former owner of O’Brien’s Irish Pub in Brandon and Plant City, is making the move with his family to Apollo Beach after years of coming to the area to operate the Salty Shamrock Fishing Charters of Apollo Beach. His new restaurant is named for his fishing boat and charter company.
Sean and his wife Aine moved to the U.S. from the town of Omagh, County Tyrone, in Northern Ireland more than 30 years ago, settling in New York City and operating an Irish pub for over 10 years. They have two sons, Tomas, 16, and Sean Og, 15, who currently attend Bloomingdale High School.
Sean Rice, owner of the Salty Shamrock, poses in front of the open-air patio of the new Apollo Beach restaurant.
“‘The Troubles’ affected our lives deeply, and that was part of our decision to move to the United States,” said Sean, who said his family experienced oppression under British rule in Northern Ireland.
“The Troubles” is the common name for the ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland during the late 20th century, often described as a “guerrilla war” or “low-level war” and known internationally as the Northern Ireland conflict. It began in the late 1960s as part of a campaign to end discrimination against the Catholic/nationalist minority by the Protestant/unionist-dominated government. The violence that escalated and led to The Troubles would eventually last for three decades.
The Troubles touched the lives of many in Northern Ireland on a daily basis, sometimes spreading into England, the Republic of Ireland and, occasionally, parts of mainland Europe.
“We marked the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising last week,” said Sean, who, along with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets of Dublin on Easter Sunday, commemorated the Easter rebellion against British rule that paved the way for independence.
“We still go to visit Ireland twice a year,” said Aine Rice. “Our family and our roots are still there.”
The Salty Shamrock is infused with Irish authenticity in both its cuisine and atmosphere. Bartender Patrick Crowne, a cousin of Aine, charms customers with same Irish brogue accent as the owners.
Head chef Ken Pisciolta and server Angel Lewis display their delicious chicken tacos, a popular menu item.
Bartender Patrick Crowne hails from the town of Omagh, Co. Tyrone, in Northern Ireland.
“Even though we are solidly Irish, we embrace a lot of other cultures, just as they’ve embraced us,” said Sean. He plans to do a themed event for Cinco De Mayo at his new restaurant, featuring Mexican fare and entertainment to honor the Mexican holiday.
“The food here is excellent,” said one happy diner who came over from Sun City Center to try out the Salty Shamrock. “We heard great things about this place, but we decided to wait until the crowd died down after St. Paddy’s day to come here to eat.”
Sean, a charter fishing captain who is seen regularly out on Tampa Bay, says he will apply his knowledge of seafood to his new restaurant. “We will be launching a sushi bar to feature our fresh seafood,” said Rice, which will include locally caught fish, sushi and ceviche. Sean also plans to offer a breakfast brunch, a fresh-fish concept in which local fishermen will supply the catch that you see in front of you.
Fishing for business and for pleasure, Sean is also active in local charitable causes, often taking veterans from My Warrior’s Place out to fish on Tampa Bay. He plans on hosting a number of special events at the restaurant to benefit local charities.
“Ireland’s biggest export is their people,” said Sean. “Everywhere we go we meet an Irish man or woman, and it has always made us feel at home in America.”
The Salty Shamrock Gastro Grille is at 6186 Apollo Beach Blvd., at the corner of U.S. 41 and Apollo Beach Boulevard, where Kaz’s Seafood Dive used to stand. For more information, visit saltyshamrock.com.