How Long Jas Beef O Bradys Been in Cocoa Florida
LAKELAND — On Sunday August 22, Don Bosko, owner of Lakeland's Beef 'O' Brady's, will celebrate his restaurant's 30th anniversary.
In 1990 Bosko was working for Owens Corning Fiberglass for 18 years when his division was sold two days before Christmas. That pivotal moment caused Bosko to find more information about starting his own company.
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"I didn't want to go work for another cooperation," he said. "I wanted to have my own company."
Bosko and his family frequented the Beef 'O' Brady's in Brandon and discussed the possibility of opening his own location with the owner there.
"I told him I would work for him for free in the kitchen long as I could learn the business and I would eventually own my own store," Bosko said.
Bosko worked in the kitchen for three months before starting construction on the location along South Florida Avenue. It was completed in August of 1991. Bosko praises his wife Linda and their children Bill, Cara, Tim and Andy for the foundation of his success.
"My wife and children were a big asset," Bosko said. "They all worked in the restaurant in the beginning years."
Lakeland Beef O'Brady's a family legacy
Over the years the 74-year-old has opened multiple stores and has three remaining. His son Andy now owns his own store in Davenport.
"For Andy to continue the legacy it is quite amazing because restaurants are not east to manage, especially in the time of COVID," Bosko said.
Andy Bosko was nine when his father started construction of the first store and began working in the kitchen at the age of 11. Now Andy's 11-year-old son Rylan is eager to work in the family business. Andy plans to start him at the front bussing tables.
"I want the customers to see we are a family place," Andy Bosko said.
Don Bosko likes how Beef 'O'Brady's is a family oriented pub.
"What is unique about Beef 'O' Brady's being a family sports pub we can do a lot in the community," Bosko said. "It helps us help the community and helps us build our business."
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Bosko is involved with several community activities such as the Margarita Ball that raises money for Toys for Tots, the Kiwanis Club, which hosts "stuff the bus" collecting supplies for schoolteachers, Boy Scouts golf tournaments and working with various schools in the Polk County district. Bosko is also the chairman of VISTE, of Volunteers In Service To The Elderly. They assist the elderly by transporting them to grocery stores and doctors' appointments.
Beef 'O' Brady's being family sports pub is what Bosko believes to be key to his success in the business.
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"Initially back in 1991 sports pubs wasn't considered a place to bring a family to," Bosko said. "Our concept was families are welcome. We did not allow swearing or cuss words in the restaurant back then. And we have great food and our involvement with the community is a huge part of the success of the business."
Bosko has a treat planned for families on Sunday.
Instead of the 12-page menu they will have the one-page 1991 menu with the original prices. There will be a family meal deal for $19.91. Bosko's daughter Cara was able to get previous waitresses to come celebrate. Cups, t-shirts and gift cards will be given out throughout the day. WPCV-97 Country will also be present with a remote set-up.
The all-day event will be held at 4810 South Florida Ave in Lake Miriam Plaza.
Breanna Rittman writes news features for The Ledger and can be reached at brittman@gannett.com
Source: https://www.theledger.com/story/lifestyle/celebrations/2021/08/20/beef-o-bradys-celebrates-30-years/8212432002/
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