Greg Novack and Mike Pachota grew up near each other in a small suburb outside Detroit, Michigan. Neither Greg nor Mike realized that a friendship founded in 1968 would create the partnership they know today.

The boys from Detroit crossed paths many times. However, it wasn't until they each married, Greg to Marijo, and Mike to Donna, that they became business partners. While in Michigan, the Novack-Pachota Crew grew to eight, with the addition of four beautiful children, Lesley, Justin, Megan and Nick. In 1982, after several successful business ventures in Michigan, they headed South and began in Florida with the opening of "Patches," their first restaurant in Venice. In 1983, with the arrival of Katie Michelle, the Novack-Pachota Crew rounded out to nine total members.

In 1986, the Novacks and Pachotas won the bid to convert the site of an old, dilapidated beach concession into a restaurant, located at the base of the original fishing pier. Sharky's officially opened on February 10, 1987 with only 78 seats and a host of hungry folks.

With a vision to offer some of the freshest seafood around, in a family-friendly atmosphere, Sharky's has evolved into what is now a Venice, Florida landmark for fabulous food, fantastic sunsets, live entertainment, and so much more.


Sharky’s On The Pier - Venice, Fl - 1600 Harbor Drive South - 941.488.1456