History
Our History
PIER 22, Bradenton's landmark waterfront-dining destination shares an illustrious past with the downtown community. Our story starts out during pioneering times when the city was still known as Bradentown. On this site, in 1878, the original Municipal Pier was first built, it would later become to be known as Corwin Dock until being reconstructed and renamed the Memorial Pier. In 1930 the pier was dedicated to honoring 21 young men from Manatee County who died in WW1.
Erected in 1928 the pier building design was modeled after the luxurious Mediterranean villas found in France, Spain, and Italy. Over the span of many decades, the two-story Memorial Pier served a variety of functions, both public and private. The large second floor with riverfront views was the social scene for dances and events (currently the elegant PIER 22 Ballroom) until the mid-1940s; the ground floor was once used as a warehouse for freight from steamers going in and out of Tampa. It was the first home of the South Florida Museum, and the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce resided here for 34 years along with Manatee County’s first radio station, which began broadcasting in 1946.
Now a distinctive casual fine-dining destination, PIER 22 Restaurant, Patio and Catering is most celebrated for our commitment to creating an exceptional guest experience. Our magnificent waterfront views, charming ambiance and scratch-cooked meals have given rise to a new narrative, and you're invited to become a part of the story!
To learn more about our history, please enjoy the interactive timeline below.
PIER 22 Features
• Lunch and Dinner daily with Sunday Brunch
• Sushi Bar from 3pm and all day Wednesday & Friday
• The Patio features a full bar & fire pit
• The Waterfront Terrace offers al fresco dining
• Waterfront Ballroom seating 200+ overlooking the Manatee River
• Private/Semi-Private Rooms for all occasions (weddings, receptions, corporate events and parties)
• Catering full service offsite and onsite
• Complimentary dockage available while dining
• Overnight dockage call 941.747.8300 for slip assignment
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Construction of the Municipal Pier, later known as Corwin Dock begins.
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Corwin Dock is rebuilt and later renamed Memorial Pier.
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With the original dock gone, Corwin's Ice Cream Shop, which neighbors PIER 22, is our way of paying respect to the maritime businessman Samuel C. Corwin.
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Pier building rises.
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Constructed near the end of the Florida land boom (1928), the pier building reflects the fashionable style of the time: Mediterranean revival.
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Manatee Chamber Of Commerce moves to pier building.
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Main floor becomes a warehouse for goods from cargo ships.
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Memorial Pier is dedicated to 21 men from the Bradenton area that gave their lives in the Great War.
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You can still find a section of the original marker at the entrance to the PIER 22 restaurant.
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Second floor Grand Ballroom becomes a popular dancing nightclub and social lounge.
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Pier building serves as a U.S.O. servicemen's center during World War II.
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Bradenton AM-1490 WDHL studios begins broadcasting from Memorial Pier building.
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Transmissions occasionally interfered with incoming ships.
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South Florida Museum moves to main floor of Pier building.
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After arriving in Bradenton for the 1949 Desoto celebrations, Manatee “Baby Snoots” made his home at a South Florida Museum exhibit on the pier.
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Memorial Pier and building are neglected and go into disrepair.
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It was important to maintain the building’s original style, and meticulous restoration lasted two years.
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Don Miller Jr. opens the doors to The Pier as the restaurant was first known.
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A NEW LEGACY is taking shape!
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Today, PIER 22 is recognized an award-winning restaurant, venue and catering company.
Our Marina
Twin Dolphin Marina
Nestled safely along the beautiful Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida. Twin Dolphin Marina is within walking distance of the historic downtown and it's quaint Old Main Street.
