Lazy Lobster celebrates Thanksgiving in June with food drive

The Lazy Lobster said no more waiting for everyone’s favorite meal of the year.

During a conversation between business partners in 2019, Chef Bob Fracalossy asked his co-owner, Michael Garey, “What is your favorite meal of the year?” 

Garey didn’t hesitate with his answer of Thanksgiving. The two of them continued questioning why they only had the iconic turkey dinner once a year and then realized they didn’t have to wait. 

The Lazy Lobster will host its second annual Thanksgiving in June food drive from June 24-27. 

Everyone who comes for dinner can bring five non-perishable items for a $10 “Lobster Loot” certificate or “Kacey’s Kash” certificate. Garey and Fracalossy’s other restaurants, including Kacey’s in Bradenton and Sarasota, will also host this event. 

People will get a traditional turkey dinner for $28 including turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed sweet potatoes, mashed buttered Idaho potatoes, green beans with fried onions and cranberry sauce. For an extra $8, people can order pecan pie for dessert. 

Garey said that Thanksgiving is the busiest night of the year for the restaurants, so he is excited to get to bring back their Thanksgiving dinner for another week. 

All non-perishable items will be donated to Meals on Wheels Plus and All Faiths Food Bank. People can bring items such as boxed rice, boxed pasta, breakfast bars, baby cereal, baby formula, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, 100% real fruit juices, canned soups, meat, fruit and vegetables. 

“This is a really tough time for the food banks because no one really thinks about giving back during this time,” said Garey. “Demand spikes for them because a lot of winter residents and snowbirds have gone home. But the children are still here and their need is still there. It's a really good time for them to receive these efforts.”