"The bar needed work. It needed to be revamped," Latter said. "So we're adding my name to the license and putting some work into it."

The work that will be done will include a new paint job and some carpeting.

Another addition to the bar is live music on Thursday and Saturday nights.

"We've got some nice sort of jazzy blues music being played in here now. The customers should enjoy it," Latter said.

The drinks will still be the same ones that Stoddard has always served—the only difference is that now the bar and the restaurant are in partnership.

"It just makes sense right now. It's an improvement for both of us," Latter said.

Latter, who purchased Sharky's in February of 2002, has been working hard to make an impact on the Willow Glen community and seems to be succeeding.

"We've got lots of regular customers who come in. We see a lot of new faces as well, but the regulars are like old friends coming for a visit," Latter said.

Sharky's doesn't advertise much so word of mouth is what Latter counts on.

To show his appreciation for his customers, Latter will be hosting a Customer Appreciation Day at Sharky's in August.

"I did this last year and it was a big hit so I wanted to do it again this year. It's my way of showing the customers and the community how much I appreciate them making Sharky's a success," Latter said.

Customer Appreciation Day will include a free barbecue prepared by Latter and his newest trainee, manager Steve Ramona, as well as live music.

"Steve had never really cooked before. He wanted to learn some cooking, and I wanted a night off. It worked great for both of us, and he's a great cook now," Latter said.

Ramona even has a following of customers who know that Monday night is his night in the kitchen. They come to show support and to sample his fare.

In addition to bringing on a new cook, Latter also focuses on philanthropic issues, using his restaurant to help promote the Special Olympics.

On Aug. 26, 2002, Sharky's held its first Seafood Olympics with all of the proceeds from the event going toward the Special Olympics, a cause that is very important to him.

"I've been working with Special Olympics for years. I've set up golf tournaments and done different kinds of fundraisers for Special Olympics. It's my way of giving something back for my good fortune," he said.

Latter is in the process of arranging another golf tournament and is also planning to hold a crab feed at Sharky's next spring, with the proceeds again going toward Special Olympics.

Sharky's serves a wide variety of seafood dishes.

"I like to discover new recipes and try new things out on the customers. If it's a hit we add it to the menu. If not, I find something new to try," Latter said.

One dish that's proven popular is smoked salmon and pasta with a sherry cream sauce. Latter says he would consider that the house specialty.

"It would be either that or the crab cakes," he said.

Sharky's, located at 1151 Lincoln Ave., is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner. For more information on Customer Appreciation Day or to make reservations, call 408.279.0996.