J's Waterfront Dining and Lounge Features Steak, Seafood in Gulfport

Following much anticipation, Gulfport's newest waterfront restaurant and bar opened up on July 1. Owners Rita and Mike Janecek said they had their eyes on the building at 3128 Beach Boulevard for at least a year. 

"It's a great location, Gulfport is an exciting community," Rita said.

Rita says they watched as city leaders and community members ignited discussions about expanding the marina and improving the beach. The Janecek's knew they wanted to be part of a community building for its future.

"These efforts will bring more people to the area. Now's the time," she said.

The Janecek's are entrepreneurs who want to be part of that growth. In the past seven years, they've started six businesses, including J's Waterfront Dining and Lounge. All after the two left behind "desk jobs" to create something they wanted to call their own. Rita began practicing law in 1999 and is still a licensed lawyer in Virginia. Her husband, Mike, was a mortgage broker. Seven years ago they quit their jobs and started their first ice cream and coffee shop in Corolla, North Carolina.

"We decided together, let's just do it," Rita said.

Now, the married couple of more than 30 years, owns three beachfront snack shacks including Paradise Grille in Pass-a-Grille. They have since sold their original location in North Carolina to their daughter and their son, Adam, owns Paradise Sweets in Pass-a-Grille - also started by the Janecek's in 2007.

"This is our sixth business, fourth under my control," Rita explains.

Rita and Mike say J's Waterfront Dining and Lounge is their largest business - it's 6,000 square feet, can accommodate 220 people and features three full bars, including their rooftop bar, The Anchor Bar.

"We offer a simple, friendly atmosphere. We want people to come here, enjoy a beverage, sit inside the relaxing atmosphere, have a fresh dinner and then hang out in the Jazz and Blues Lounge," Rita said.

That's right, although the restaurant has been open less than a month, the owners are already expanding a downstairs lounge area. Once finished, Rita says it will be a spot for live music and dancing.

In addition to the atmosphere, the Janecek's hope to lure people to J's with their fresh seafood, quality steak and signature dishes. J's offers everything from oysters, peel & eat shrimp, lobster and crab rolls, burgers and more. They feature early bird specials including stuffed flounder, seafood alfredo, seafood marinara and more for $10.99 from 4 - 6 p.m. 

"We want to cater to everyone and everyone's budget," Rita said.

Given that the customer comes first, Rita says they're still fine-tuning the menu and want to hear from guests about their food, service and overall experience. Rita is confident her kitchen staff will leave you wanting more.

St. Petersburg native Chef Robert Prisinzano has more than 25 years of experience and Sous Chef Kevin O'Brien, a Gulfport resident, previously worked at The Club in Treasure Island.

"We're excited to be here. I think we can be a new addition to the Gulfport neighborhood," Rita said.

For more information:

J's Waterfront Dining and Lounge
3128 Beach Blvd. S.
(727) 350-5903
Sun - Thu 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri, Sat 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
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