Suncoast Post Interview with Rayma Stowe, Owner of Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub in Bradenton, Florida
I had the pleasure of doing a one-on-one interview with Rayma Stowe, owner of Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub in Bradenton, Florida. It’s hard to believe that “Clancy’s” has been in business for 23 years. It’s a hot spot for many televised sport events, great live music, awesome food, a fabulous staff and some of the greatest patrons in the world. It a place where friends meet old friends and new friends!
Rayma is a very special and much-loved lady in our town. Her smile is infectious, and she always goes out of her way to help where needed. She was recently honored as the Suncoast Post “Person of the Year!”
I have to say that there is nothing better than going to Clancy’s on a hot Florida day and enjoy a nice cold beer and a burger!
Here is the interview with Rayma. I tried my best to ask questions that will give you an idea as to what Clancy’s is all about! Enjoy the interview.
Q. Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub is one of Bradenton’s oldest Irish sports pubs? How long have you been the owner?
A. 23 years this September
Q. Can you tell us about the unique features and offerings at Clancy’s, such as the full bar, TV screens, live music, karaoke, and bingo?
A. We are a friendly neighborhood local sports bar & grill. Offering full service with an outdoor tiki bar & a HUGE patio area with a bandstand supporting “Live Local Music” Thursday through Sunday. Want to be a rock star? Grab a mic Thursday through Saturday and show off your talents w/Andre your Karaoke host from 9 to 1.
Q. What inspired you to include these various entertainment options at Clancy’s?
A. Trying to keep things fun and fresh.
We try to offer something pretty much at all times. Monday’s, we have Live Texas hold em starting at 6pm inside. Something new, also on Monday evening from 6-8 pm. Trivia night with Cap n Mitch. Sometimes you WIN … Sometimes you LEARN. Bingo is played indoors and outdoors every Wednesday from 6 – 8 pm. We also host an annual event, BAR WARS in December.
Q. Clancy’s is known for its great food. What are some of the popular dishes on your menu?
A. When it comes to our food, we match quality with quantity. Our portions are HUGE, and everything is made fresh to order.
Q. Can you share some details about the “Shamrock Shiver” event that takes place every New Year’s Day?
A. My favorite event is our SHAMROCK SHIVER CHARITY PLUNGE which is held on the first day of January. The driving force behind the SHAMROCK SHIVER CHARITY PLUNGE’S success is that 100 % of the proceeds benefit local disadvantaged children via 501 (c)(3) not for profit organizations.
Our Mantra ~ GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE! Healthy Teens Coalition, Feeding Empty Little Tummies, (F.E.L.T.) and Take Stock in Children of Manatee County were this year’s recipients.
The Shamrock Shiver brings together family, friends, and huge hearts that desire to help the less fortunate children in our community. By collecting pledges to plunge into the Gulf of Mexico, the sale of raffle tickets and live and silent auction items and the support of local businesses contribute to the success of this neighborhood event. This was our 15th year and proudly we topped the $400,000 monies raised year to date.
Q. How does Clancy’s support charities and events in the community to help those in need?
A. Christmas in July is such a Fun Event: We ask our clients to bring in new unwrapped school supplies to help out less fortunate children in our community. We also raise funds by hosting an old-fashioned Bake Sale. We ask that our clients bring their “most creative baked goods.” We collect the supplies right until the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday & we are able to purchase additional school supplies with the funds raised from our Bake Sale. We evenly divided between four schools.
Q. Which organizations or causes does Clancy’s typically support, and why are they important to you?
A. Along with the afore mentioned charities we believe in what the Blessing Bags Project stands for & team up with this 501(3)(c) throughout the year.
Q. How have customers and the community responded to Clancy’s involvement in charitable activities?
A. It never ceases to amaze us just how fortunate & very grateful we are to receive such favorable support from our local businesses and our customers. Clancy’s customers and the community have given a very positive response to our fundraising efforts for a charitable cause.
- As the owner, what would you say sets Clancy’s apart from other pubs in the area?
- Having top notch quality entertainment with outdoor dining on our 6,000 sq ft patio. Of course, our caring staff strides for customer service.
Q. What challenges have you faced in managing and operating Clancy’s, and how have you overcome them?
A. I can say undoubtedly that the absolute worst day was March 18th, 2020, having to put on the marquee out front (Closed Until Future Notice). I called Betsy Halliwell Plante with the Blessing Bags Project and she put us in touch with Hungers End Food Pantry, we divided up all the food in our walk-ins between the staff & Hungers End. We reopened 47 days later & started off slowly by concentrating on our food service, adding breakfast to our menu.
Q. How do you ensure a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere at Clancy’s for all customers?
A. Our staff genuinely cares about our guest’s experience, once again it comes back to creating memories.
Q. How do you maintain a balance between creating a lively pub atmosphere and ensuring a comfortable experience for all customers?
A. Customer Service is our #1 priority while helping families create memories.
Q. Are there any plans for expansion or new ventures in the future for Clancy’s?
A. No! Just doing Clancy’s!! LOL
Q. We heard you have a new addition to your family. Tell us about him!
A. Our little new addition to the Clancy’s family is a white male Labrador named Finnegan. We asked our clients for help naming him and we were convinced when Finnegan was submitted more times than any other. Finnegan was a fair haired Irish Mythological hero known for his strength and wisdom.
Q. Finally, what do you enjoy most about being the owner of Clancy’s Irish Sports Pub?
A. Our clients. We are blessed with our clientele and have such an awesome platform to give back to the community.
Thank you, Rayma, for doing this interview with me!
Photos from Suncoast Post