One of Sarasota and Bradenton’s most esteemed chefs — a man whose resume includes working at the former Poseidon fine-dining destination on Longboat Key,

opening the upscale West Bradenton restaurant Ezra, and later focusing on more casual eateries in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts — has decided it’s time to permanently close one of his two restaurants and live music venues.

Chef David Shiplett, a Bradenton native who attended the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, opened Birdrock Taco Shack in 2016 at 1004 10th Ave. About five years later, he relocated it within the Village of the Arts to its current, larger space at 1213 13th Ave. W. The establishment has thrived as both a restaurant and live music venue at both locations. However, on Oct. 18, Shiplett will be serving his final taco at Birdrock Taco Shack.
“Because life is too short, that’s it,” the 65-year-old Shiplett said when asked why he is shuttering his beloved taco shack. “Birdrock means an enormous amount to me — I’ve put my heart and soul into it for 10 years — but I want to focus on Cottonmouth. That’s where I need to be, physically present, and it will be a better operation when I’m there.”
The plan is for Birdrock to remain open during its current hours — noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday — through Oct. 18, when Shiplett will bid farewell. Expect plenty of gourmet tacos, nachos, beer, and free live music starting at 6:30 p.m. by reggae act Greg Roy and The Pressure Band.
Afterward, Shiplett will focus his attention on Cottonmouth Southern Soul Kitchen, the restaurant and live music venue located nearby on the main drag of the Village of the Arts. However, fans of Birdrock’s Baja-style cuisine will still be able to get their taco fix via Shiplett’s Birdrock Mobile operation, which he plans to launch at Village of the Arts’ Artwalks starting Nov. 1-2. He will be set up outside the Bits & Pieces shop at 1303 13th Ave. W. Birdrock Mobile will also be available for special events.