Editor’s Note: We spoke with Mike Austin, the new owner of Austin’s North Port, also known locally as Olde World Restaurant. The popular full-service family style restaurant is located at 14415 Tamiami Trail in North Port. Please call 941-426-1155. Visit their Facebook page. Mike also owns Coastal Automotive in Englewood managed by his wife, Kelly.
Mike, what would you like to share about Austin’s North Port?
My family bought the popular Olde World Restaurant this year, and we are making various changes and enhancements under our new name, Austin’s North Port. Many locals don’t know our family owned restaurants previously. Buying Olde World Restaurant is a wonderful opportunity to build on the heritage set by the prior owners, Joe and Teresa Skoczylas and Christine Zagrobelny. We appreciate all of their hard work, and we look forward to serving their long term customers with many Olde World favorites along with some new menu items.
What are some of your plans for your restaurant?
We’re tweaking the menu to feature some new dishes we believe the community will enjoy. We’ll be offering more steak options, a bigger selection of wines, and new items for the breakfast menu. We already have a non-smoking outdoor dining area and a full-service bar. Another upgrade will be replacing the carpet with new flooring to create a more modern look. Excellent service will continue to be a high priority along with tasty food. We love catering to our customers including locals, retirees, seasonal residents, tourists, and the many working professionals that are part of the community’s growth and prosperity.
Please summarize your plans for entertainment and events?
We’re excited to expand with an Open Mic Night to showcase local talent, Karaoke, Trivia Night, and two nights of Live Music every week. We plan to support more groups throughout the region with our 100-seat event and banquet room. We have plenty of parking and an experienced support team.
Where did you grow up and what brought you to this part of Florida?
I grew up in a small town in Missouri. We moved to Florida when my son got a scholarship to play football at a nearby university. Our entire family appreciates living in the area.