Reservation
5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, FL 34228 941-383-0777

MoreAbout Us

OurPhilosophy

We are blessed to be in business for over 40 years. Our customers, our employees, being on Longboat Key have all been inspirations to us to keep doing what we do best.

Food and wine is Harry’s passion and Lynn’s attention to detail have been a good combination for us, as we have managed to work together all these years. Having our son, Hal as general manager and longtime devoted employees is also a reason why we are still here going strong!

Harry, Lynn & Hal


OurHistory

The Continental Kitchens take-out story began in 1978
Harry had become the day chef at Café l’Europe, in Sarasota at St. Armands Circle. Every day he prepared the dishes for that evening’s dinners. The line chefs at night heated the dishes for their customers. “I got the idea,” Harry says, “of making my customers the line chefs!” Harry’s idea was to package individual, specially prepared gourmet meals, including appetizers and desserts. “I wanted to make these dinners the same as you would get in a fine restaurant, but it’s take-out. My customers could savor a gourmet dinner without leaving the comfort of their homes.”

On Longboat Key in February 1979, the Christensens leased a building to house their Continental Kitchen at 5440 Gulf of Mexico Drive. The couple made their delicious take-out dinners as well as scrumptious sandwiches for lunch. Every day the chalkboard listed daily specials in addition to the standard menu.

By 1982, growing pains pushed them to the current location a few blocks north on St. Judes Drive. By now, the Christensens were realizing they had a talent for catering as well as take-out.

The St. Judes building housed the Deli, the same take-out gourmet dinners, now accompanied by catering trucks and a catering staff. The Christensens created, and still do create, magnificent parties for their community.

In 1985, the Christensens added the restaurant we all know and love… Harry’s.

And now it’s a family affair….. Harry and Lynn’s son, Hal, joined the family business in 2000 as the Catering Manager then quickly moved to Restaurant Manager and now to his present day position as the General Manager.

With Hal’s inspiration, the already amazing restaurant menu now encompasses a three or four course prix fixe menu that is the highlight of the season and chef’s creations. Each prix-fixe menu offers a wine sampling with each course.  Shortly after Hal and Harry were certified as Sommeliers, Harry’s Wine List was awarded Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence.” Wine dinners are a frequent event at Harry’s restaurant – each showcasing winemakers and vineyards that pair perfectly with Harry’s cuisine.

In December 2009, the desire to expand once again interests Harry and a Convenience Store located on the corner of St. Judes Drive and Gulf of Mexico, already owned but leased out by Harry, opens as Harry’s Corner Store. “What makes it unique is it is more of a grocery store than a convenience store” says Hal, “so people don’t have to go to Publix if they don’t want to.” Fresh produce, frozen meats and seafood, lunches to go and a wine list you surely will never see at a competitive C-Store. Harry’s Corner Store fills a niche that was much needed on Longboat Key.

Cheers to the next chapter at Harry’s Continental Kitchens!


 

 

Since1979

A trip down memory lane

 

 

OurTeam


Hal Christensen

General Manager


Ian Clark

Head Chef

 

  • Great little store for just about everything when you need to need something on the move!
    Steve Potokar
    Steve Potokar
  • Best food on longboat. Premade meals, amazing wine selection and deserts! I make this place a regular stop - never disappointing. Recommend the blackberry chicken and wild rice, lasagna Bolognese and the best item there the apple walnut cheesecake
    Brian Bennett
    Brian Bennett
  • You will never be disappointed at Harry's. Definitely our go to place with consistency
    Barbara Wappner
    Barbara Wappner
  • Amazing! We live in Bradenton, but rented a home behind Harry's for the weekend for our daughters first birthday! We ventured to Harry's for lunch which was amazing and then the next day for breakfast where I had the most amazing pancakes ever. We will def be back. Thank you for everything
    Emily Paetau
    Emily Paetau

Harry'sLocations

Harry’s Restaurant
525 Saint Judes Drive
Longboat Key, Florida 34228

941-383-0777
 Get Directions

Harry’s Gourmet Deli
548 Saint Judes Drive
Longboat Key, Florida 34228

941-383-0777
 Get Directions

Harry’s Catering
548 Saint Judes Drive
Longboat Key, Florida 34228

941-383-0777
Call for an appointment.

Harry’s Corner Store
5600 Gulf of Mexico Drive
Longboat Key, Florida 34228

941-383-0777
 Get Directions

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