Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Dignam.
Ashley, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Magnolias on the Bay was purchased in 2020 and transformed into a stunning water front restaurant featuring southern and Japanese influence cuisine. Our unique location features outdoor dining with a view for all! Our open concept Bay Garden Bar hosts a happy hour daily that includes some of the area’s most unique craft cocktails and mock-tails!
Our friendly staff will welcome you to our pink palace with a smile and the knowledge of our specialty menu of curated seasonal favorites designed by Chef Ron Westrom. Our bar features a full line of zero proof alcohol options as well as craft beers, an incredible wine selection unlike any place in the area.
Our owners Rocket & Sue Atamanchuk have been in the business locally for over 30 years! They own three iconic restaurants on Manasota Key and Magnolias is the pink gem of their hearts! This is the most upscale of the locations and it boasts the most pizazz. The Manasota Key Group is the umbrella name for the company which includes their three restaurants, a marina and the Dearborn Corner Market. The family employees 300 locals and treats each employee like a member of the family!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After being hit by back to back hurricanes in October 2024 all locations had to completely rebuild from the ground up. Magnolias was closed for 486 days before construction and reconstruction was complete. It was a long road of blood, sweat and lots of tears to bring her back to her iconic pink and popular self! We upgraded a few things and totally transformed the bar outside to bring in the more lounge crowd who enjoy their beverage al fresco. After countless set backs, we reopened our doors in February of 2026 and we couldn’t be more proud of how far we’ve come! Our own staff was there countless hours cleaning and preparing to welcome back our guests and the community came out in droves to show their support!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Ashley Dignam, the catering and events Manager for all of Manasota Key Group. I love what I do because of the people I get to work both WITH and FOR. The families we meet while planning some of life’s most special gatherings stick with me! I connect with the families who trust us to pull off huge weddings without a hitch! They know we carefully will plan every details and work out every kink without anyone even knowing what was happening. I love the time I get with brides and their families, making sure every single aspect of their wedding is paid attention to. From signage, to curated menus, specialty desserts, fun live entertainment and specialty cocktails, we do it all! This past year I personally won a local “Best Of Englewood” Award for the category of event and event planning. We truly appreciate all the support we’ve had since we started doing weddings in 2022 and we know how important our work is. We are trusted to execute someone’s dream into reality and we take on that responsibility with gusto and a seriously well-laid plan. Our unique bay front venue gives guests the stunning views of Lemon Bay, without the mess and frustration of sand on the beach. We do everything in house and we work with some the best locals around for vendors! We pride ourselves on being an all-inclusive venue who strives for perfection and excellence whether its a 12 person party or a 200 person wedding!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The wedding industry locally is exploding. We are a beautiful unique little island with a lot to offer guests both locally and from afar. Our venue has a great relationship with an incredible resort just down the road so that partnership has been so valuable to brides and their families. It seems wedding planning now is about ease and convenience. Having a venue like ours that will literally take care for EVERYTHING for you, has been so key to our success! I’ve been known to walk a dog for a couple during cocktail hour, hold a crying ring bearer who didn’t want to walk the aisle, and we will make a specific meal for the picky eater in your family. We truly do it ALL so you can enjoy your special day and not worry about a thing!
Pricing:
- Flexible and the best in the are for the value!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magnoliasonthebay.com/events-weddings/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliasonthebay/
