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Our History

PIER 22, Bradenton's landmark waterfront-dining destination shares an illustrious past with the downtown community. Our story starts out during pioneering times when the city was still known as Bradentown. On this site, in 1878, the original Municipal Pier was first built, it would later become to be known as Corwin Dock until being reconstructed and renamed the Memorial Pier. In 1930 the pier was dedicated to honoring 21 young men from Manatee County who died in WW1.
Erected in 1928, the pier building design was modeled after the luxurious Mediterranean villas found in France, Spain, and Italy. Over many decades, the two-story Memorial Pier served a variety of functions, both public and private. The large second floor with riverfront views was the social scene for dances and events (currently the elegant PIER 22 Ballroom) until the mid-1940s; the ground floor was once used as a warehouse for freight from steamers going in and out of Tampa. It was the first home of the South Florida Museum. Additionally, the Manatee County Chamber of Commerce resided here for 34 years along with Manatee County's first radio station, which began broadcasting in 1946.

Now a distinctive casual fine-dining destination, PIER 22 Restaurant, Patio and Catering is most celebrated for our commitment to creating an exceptional guest experience. Our magnificent waterfront views, charming ambiance, and scratch-cooked meals have given rise to a new narrative, and you're invited to become a part of the story!"

Timeline

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1878

Construction of the Municipal Pier, later known as Corwin Dock, begins.

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1925

Corwin Dock is rebuilt and later renamed Memorial Pier.

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1925

With the original dock gone, Corwin's Ice Cream Shop, which neighbors PIER 22, pays tribute to maritime businessman Samuel C. Corwin.

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1928

Pier building rises.

Constructed near the end of the Florida land boom in 1928, the pier building reflects the fashionable style of the time: Mediterranean Revival.

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Early 1920s

Manatee Chamber of Commerce moves to the pier building.

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1928–1945

Main floor becomes a warehouse for goods from cargo ships.

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1930

Memorial Pier is dedicated to 21 men from the Bradenton area who gave their lives in the Great War.

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1930s & '40s

Second floor Grand Ballroom becomes a popular dancing nightclub and social lounge.

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1940s

Pier building serves as a U.S.O. servicemen's center during World War II.

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1946

Bradenton AM-1490 WDHL studios begin broadcasting from Memorial Pier building.

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1946

Transmissions occasionally interfered with incoming ships.

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1946

South Florida Museum moves to main floor of Pier building.

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1949

After arriving in Bradenton for the 1949 De Soto celebrations, Manatee "Baby Snoots" made his home at a South Florida Museum exhibit on the pier.

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1960s

Memorial Pier and building are neglected and fall into disrepair.

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1970s

It was important to maintain the building's original style, and meticulous restoration lasted two years.

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1976

Don Miller Jr. opens the doors to The Pier, as the restaurant was first known.

Pier 22

Today

In 2026, PIER 22 celebrates 50 years of welcoming guests to the waterfront. From its beginnings as The Pier to the award-winning restaurant, venue, and catering company it is today, PIER 22 continues to be part of Bradenton's story.

 




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