Cortez Clam Factory says Goodbye to Ashley Lehto
On May 13, 2025, the Cortez Clam Factory at 10104 Cortez Rd. in Cortez, Florida will bid a sad farewell to our beloved bartender, server, and manager Ashley Lehto.
Over ten years ago Ashley came to apply for a position at the Clam wearing a long sleeve shirt covering a body painted with tattoos wondering if we would hire her knowing this. Well, it turns out the illustrated woman was one of the best hires the Clam has ever made! One by one as her children became old enough Ashley brought them into work as well as her mother and husband Scott. Ashley’s entire family came into the workplace with the same work ethics as herself. As we bid her farewell, we wish her an exciting and prosperous endeavor in her new journey with her husband and their new business. We love you Ashley and family, as we part, we carry tears of sadness and tears of joy. We invite all of you to stop in and wish Ashley well in her new endeavors!
Warmly,
Dave Sadler & Randy Ellis, Owners of Cortez Clam Factory
Ashley, all of your coworkers and GM Laura Kistler would like to let you know how much we love and adore you! You will be greatly missed sweet girl! Thanks for all you did!
Love, Your Clam Fam
From the Cortez Clam Factory Website: The Cortez Clam Factory, referred to as “ The Clam “ by locals, is a friendly honkytonk located just a mile from the historic “Cortez Fishing Village“. Founded in May 2010, by owners Chef Randall Ellis and David Sadler, our establishment has evolved into one of Manatee County’s favorite food, music, and fun locations. With over a hundred years combined of food and beverage experience, we offer fine dining quality at local, reasonable prices. Serving great seafood, house smoked Barbeque and more… it’s no wonder we are known as a “Five Star Dive Bar.”