Page 14 - Winter 2024 Taste Magazine

Owner Profile •Suzanne Bush of Lotsa Lobster
Since 2009, Lotsa Lobster at 8780 South Trail in Sarasota (941-918- 2529) has been a very successful Maine lobster and New England Seafood Market. Owner Suzanne Bush and staff offer a fabulous selec- tion of fresh Florida seafood including grouper, snapper, shrimp and until May 1, stone crabs. They are open all year round and on most holidays (please order ahead), they are always happy to see you! A terrific store with friendly ownership and staff.
Check them out on Facebook for cool pictures or online at www.LotsaLobsterSarasota.com.
Background
I’m a true native, born in Clearwater, Florida and I’ve never moved out of this great state! Ironically, my background is not in hospitality at all. I was an honor student in high school then attended junior college near home. I just wasn’t excited or challenged. I had an opportunity at a brokerage firm in St. Pete where I ended up in mutual funds for 10 years. My next challenge was compliance and risk management at JPMorgan Chase.
Well, after having kids and with my then spouse I
moved to Port Charlotte. I know, I know...financetoseafoodisacomplete180. Iwantedtodosome- thing totally different. But what??? I have never worked in a restaurant kitchen, never been a bartender or even a hostess. But I LOVE seafood, I’m pretty good with finances and I’ve always enjoyed being around all types of people. So that’s the beginning of Lotsa Lobster.
What do you like about your restaurant career?
I have met some fascinating people and formed some great friendships over the last 15 years. We have so many northern folks who have migrated down to Florida. I’ve brought a little bit of New England down to Sarasota. It makes me happy that it’s a “home away from home “when customers walk in and are so excited to see our giant lob- ster tank and the various New England goodies we provide.
Dislikes?
My number one dislike is when we sell out of a particular fish or seafood and therefore I can’t accommodate a customer. We get fresh fish daily so when it’s gone, it’s gone. I try not to focus on the negative issues that really are insignificant...an ice machine breaking down, a late delivery, etc. I just have to make the best of the situation and move forward with the day because people want their seafood.
Best?
What I really love is when a new person that I’ve not seen previously
comes into the store. He or she describes that a neighbor mentioned Lotsa Lobster or they had our seafood for dinner at a friend’s house, and sometimes it’s a person in a local grocery store recommending us. That word of mouth is so appreciated and tells me that I must be doing something right! Of course advertising in Taste Magazine has been a big benefit to us over the years!
Outside the restaurant what do you
like to do for fun?
My four boys are involved in all sorts of activities, but I tend to favor baseball, so of course I love going to those games. As a Florida native, I grew up on the beach and that’s where I love to go whether it’s sunny, cloudy or windy. Boca Grande is my favorite local spot. At all times I have a beach chair and beach bag in the trunk of my car!
Food and drink?
All of it. I love food and there are very few excep- tions which are liver, oysters and raw onions. As a youngster, my first memory of grown-up food was eating scallops and they’re still a favorite. In
my perfect food world, I would travel the globe to experience cuisines and cultures from all the continents and countries down to local neigh- borhoods
Best dining experience
Louis’ Diner in San Francisco many many years ago. It was situated on a cliff which overlooked other cliffs, rocks, sea foam and sea lions. I remember sitting in a corner booth looking out of the glass walls, star- ing at the endless Pacific Ocean. It was the best burger I’ve ever had.
Philosophy of owning a seafood market
Providing a quality product AND treating people well, both are equally important and take the number one spot. There are so many options yetpeopleCHOOSEtocometomyseafoodmarket. Iwantthemto have a positive experience so they keep WANTING to come back. I’ll do just about anything for a customer whether it’s a specific cut of fish, packing 10 portions in 10 different bags, special order a unique fish, or stay for someone who’s late picking up an order because they’re caught in traffic. The relationships are important to me. We talk about family, vacations, birthdays and grandkids.
Lotsa Lobster
8780 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota 941-918-2529• wwwlotslobstersarasota.com
Owner Suzanne Bush of Lotsa Lobster with a big one!
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