Bay Area spawns red-hot seafood restaurant scene: fast-growing Texas chain will soon test local waters. (Tampa Bay Area; Landry's Seafood Restaurants Inc.)

Landry's Seafood Restaurants Inc., a booming Texas chain that has doubled its size in the past year, is planning to serve its generous portions, moderate prices arid signature desserts to the Bay Area by spring.

The company - one of Wall Street's darlings since it went public in 1993 - recently purchased 4.3 acres of vacant land in the Rocky Point area for close to $1,5 million.

Landry's also inquired about purchasing at least some of the eight local Leverock's restaurants in Pinellas, Manatee and Pasco countries.

The anticipated arrival of the fast-growing chain underscores the Bay Area's appeal as a test market to growing restaurant companies. …