One of Venice’s oldest restaurants has announced it’s closing for good.
For more than 45 years, the Wee Blew Inn — located at 590 U.S. 41 Bypass South in the Brickyard Plaza — has welcomed locals and visitors alike, many of whom considered it a second home.
Known for its comforting breakfasts and lunches, friendly service, and small-town charm, the diner has long been a staple in the community — the kind of place where regulars have “the usual,” coffee is served in brown mugs, and the walls are decorated with fishing photos and decades of memories.
Now, that chapter is coming to an end.
When is Venice’s Wee Blew Inn permanently closing?
The south Sarasota County restaurant announced that its last day in business will be Saturday, July 26, 2025, with doors closing at 1 p.m.
“The Wee Blew Inn has been a beloved landmark in Venice for over 45 years, and it’s incredibly hard to say goodbye,” reads the statement published to the restaurant’s Facebook page on Tuesday, July 15. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to all our loyal customers and dedicated employees who have supported us throughout our long journey.”
Debbie Gartley is the longtime owner of Wee Blew Inn, which she operated with her husband, Michael Gartley, before he passed away at age 68 in 2019. “As the owner of the Wee Blew Inn, his character and his cooking will be missed by many,” reads his obituary.
In the statement posted Tuesday, they went on to note that many patrons treated the diner as a second home, coming in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner back when that was served.
Guests are encouraged to visit during the restaurant’s final days to enjoy their favorite dishes, pick up a souvenir T-shirt, and share memories with the staff.
“We’re going to miss it just as much as you,” the statement reads, before concluding with, “From the bottom of our hearts — thank you, Venice.”
If you go
Wee Blew Inn is at 590 U.S. 41 Bypass South, Venice. For more information, call 941-484-5616 or visit facebook.com/WeeBlewInn.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: ‘Hard to say goodbye’: Venice restaurant closing this month after 45 years of memories
Reporting by Wade Tatangelo, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
