From Hostess to Owner – A Bradenton Favorite Gets New Life

Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub of Manatee County

After spending more than two decades working at the same beloved Bradenton establishment, Dana Rothgery made the leap from employee to owner of Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub, a lively Irish sports pub with tiki bar flair that’s been a local favorite for 25 years.

“Well, I started working in the restaurant business the day I turned 15. I became a hostess. I moved up to serving, bartending. I was in love with this, this type of work. I love the people, I love everything about it. I worked here for 21 years before I took ownership three months ago,” Rothgery said.

Having worked at the restaurant for 21 of those years, Rothgery knew the ins and outs of the business. But when the opportunity came to take ownership, she knew she’d need expert guidance to make the dream a reality.

That’s when she connected with the Florida SBDC at USF and business consultant Brad Mix. Together, they developed a comprehensive business plan, explored funding options, and navigated the process of transitioning ownership.

“Taking on something as big as this, I always dreamed that I was gonna own this place one day, but the idea of trying to get my financing set for something this large was very overwhelming. So, I reached out to Brad at the Florida, SBDC at USF and he helped me write my business plan, Rothgery said.

While working on the business plan, Rothgery and Mix also worked on financial projections which would lead the business owner to obtain the necessary funding needed to make her dreams come true. “I have been able to secure funding through the Florida Business Development Corporation and through First Citizens. I was able to purchase not only the business, but the land and the building,” Rothgery said. “Obviously coming into something like this, I had absolutely no clue, so Brad walked me through step by step and helped me get everything set for what I needed for my loan,” she added.

Since taking the reins just three months ago, Rothgery has already made strides toward growing the business, embracing the pub’s long-standing legacy while bringing her own energy and vision to the table.

“Since I took over ownership three months ago, my numbers actually have grown. They have improved since going against some projections done over the last few years. I have added a lot more things to every night. So, we’ve been busier. Sales have been up,” Rothgery expressed.

As she looks to the future, Rothgery plans to continue leaning on the Florida SBDC at USF for guidance and support. “ I plan on using the SBDC, because they’re gonna help me with the challenges, with my overhead and staying on track and help me figure out my projections and to help me grow,” she said.

Her advice to other small business owners? “Use them. I would’ve never have gotten this loan without the help of the SBDC. I would never have gotten it,” Rothgery said.

With a passion for hospitality and deep roots in the Bradenton community, Rothgery is keeping the spirit of Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub alive—and thriving—for years to come.