Mean Deans Local Kitchen
Welcome to Mean Deans Local Kitchen, the Bradenton neighborhood restaurant that serves homemade food, using only quality ingredients.
Mean Deans Local Kitchen was opened in November of 2020 by Dean Donnelly and Michele Angell.
Dean was born in Montana but moved to Daytona Beach when he was 5 years old. He has been in the restaurant business for his entire career having started as dishwasher under a German chef at a 5-star restaurant in Daytona Beach at the age of 13 (labor laws were different back then). As he progressed, he worked his way through every position, both in the kitchen and dining room. He has worked in numerous corporate, as well as independent restaurants ranging from quick service to fine dining. In the years just prior to opening Mean Deans Local Kitchen, Dean worked as the Wine Director for Flemings Prime Steakhouse as well as co-owned Cedar Reef Fish Camp in Bradenton and Venice. He has also worked at Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Johnny Leverock’s, Rainforest Café, Applebee’s, and the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.
Michele grew up in upstate New York and received her bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. She moved to Florida in 2003 where she met Dean at Johnny Leverock’s. Michele has worked all front of house positions at places like Johnny Leverock’s, Sammy Frog’s, and Rainforest Café. She has also worked in auto sales and finance. Beginning in 2015, while co-owning Cedar Reef Fish Camp with Dean, she got her pilot certificate, then went on to get her flight instructor certificate, and finally, her airline transport pilot certificate.
The upheaval the pandemic brought made them take a step back to reflect and focus on what was really important in life. After much introspection, they decided that spending as much time as possible with their family, friends and each other was what life was really about. At that point, they decided to leave their respective jobs and open Mean Deans Local Kitchen. With the help of their stepfather (in-law), Floyd Edler, (a.k.a “Bubba”), they began transforming a long-vacated space into a cozy nook of a restaurant. Little did they know just how much of a neighborhood center the restaurant would become and how many more life-long friends they would meet along the way.
Special Events and Catering
Mean Deans Local Kitchen and special event room is available for private events: weddings, rehearsal dinners, business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, celebrations of life, and more. They would love to discuss how to be a part of your next event!
Mean Deans Local Kitchen was voted as Best All-Around Restaurant Silver in 2023. They appeared in ABC-7 Suncoast View numerous times. Not only they serve up great homemade food but also are involved in the community. They help nutrition and hunger programs in Manatee County through Empty Bowl fundraising events. The fundraisers help The Food Bank of Manatee which is a program of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee.
“We’re a community restaurant, we’re not on 41, we’re not on the island, we’re a community restaurant,” said Dean Donnelly, the Chef of Mean Deans Local Kitchen. “This is what we should do every opportunity we get, you know, help other people.”
Dean and Michele hope you enjoy your dining experience while creating memories with your loved ones. They look forward to meeting you!
Customer Reviews:
“Best blackened grouper I’ve had down here. Hands down delicious food and good atmosphere!” – Ceresa Meyer
“The good was amazing! The Cuban was great, but the pork tacos were the best I have ever eaten. A must!” – Patrick Danko
“Just the home style cooking you’re looking for. Excellent food.” – Jarrod Goss
“We had a great dinner experience with our server Alex. It was our first time dining in and celebrating birthday. Every dish was amazing and he explained the chef’s passion and care and we tasted all. We are already talking about coming back. Thank you for making our night special.” – Reika Konno
“Fantastic atmosphere and even better food. The staff are excellent and attentive, and the owner Dean knows how to treat his guests. 10/10” – Thomas Waters
Address:
6059 26th Street West,
Bradenton, Florida 34207
941-251-5435
Mean Deans Local Kitchen is located on 26th Street West just north of Bayshore Gardens Parkway in the plaza next to the library.
Website:
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