August 8, 2025

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FIRST LOOK – Doughboy Swift

They’re cooking up some great pies at this new Sarasota pizza spot

🍕 Pizza! A lot of times, that’s a “fightin'” word. Pizza is a little bit like politics and religion. I think you know what’s coming next… If you talk about the subject in a public place to people you may not know that well, there may be unknown/unpleasant outcomes! 😁

“Pizza People” are passionate. There is very little doubt about that. I count myself among the mass of folks who are rabid about their preferred style. I like to think I’m a pretty open-minded person. Some things test that self-perception. Pizza is one of them. 

Being from Chicago, I am more than partial to a thin crust, square-cut pie (aka Tavern Style). I’ve seen those four crispy triangular corner pieces almost start bar fights. People want those! They are the “test” pieces! “Let’s just make sure this pizza tastes good.” 😁 

Lately, I’m becoming a real fan of Detroit style. That buttery crust, if done right, makes your taste buds feel appreciated. I kind of like the size ordering standards too. Basically, two sizes, 4-corner or 8-corner. But like all other pizzas, it’s the toppings that get the conversation started. 😃 

❓ Imitation vs. Innovation. In the wild, wild world of pizza, there are two types of creators: Imitators and innovators. Doughboy Swift falls neatly into the innovator class. You might be asking what makes their pies different from the ones right down the street? The surface-level answer is nothing. But the REAL answer is EVERYTHING! 

Broc Smith and his partners, Michael Bush and Jeremy Rice, are creating pizzas in the old Donato’s Pizza space that intentionally ignore classification. You can’t neatly plop their pizza into any “true” style basket. And that’s great. One thing that they are not trying to be is the pizza that you had “back home.” That’s great too! 

OK – First, no, relax, they have not “re-invented” the pizza. Second, yes, they are using the same basic pizza ingredients as everyone else. But they are putting their unique Doughboy stamp on their product. It’s not quite NY. It’s not exactly Chicago or Detroit or Neapolitan. It’s a Doughboy pie! 🍕 

👀 Let’s Take a Look at Doughboy Swift 

🟰 THE BASICS  

 • WHAT: Doughboy Swift 

 • WHERE: (2881 Clark Rd. | 941- 315-7011) 

 • WHEN: Lunch & Dinner Daily 

 • GET MORE INFO: Doughboy Swift Website | dineSarasota Info Page   

 🤷 WHAT’S THIS PLACE LIKE? 

This is a place where you can take a family for dinner and feel super comfortable. You’ll also feel at ease if you’re there solo. It really is that kind of place.

It’s certainly not a sports bar. But the night we were there, they did have the NFL Network on. So, under just the right circumstances, you might be able to catch a game??  

Its laid-back and casual style means it’s easy to feel at home here. Tables are close to one another. For me, this is an opportunity to make a new friend (or three!). That’s how I see these things anyway. 

📄 WHAT TO ORDER? 

This question seems a little unnecessary here. The most obvious answer is PIZZA!  But there is a little bit more on the menu. They have a few sandwiches if you’re not having that pizza feeling (YES! You can get Hive Bar’s delicious Smash Burger 🍔). The Garlic Knots or the Whip It! (Whipped & herbed ricotta, Calabrian chili hot honey, house-made focaccia) are both great starters. 

📷 PICTURES ARE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS  

We got the night started with a Chopped Italian Salad (iceberg, romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, red peppers, black olives, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, garlic croutons with Italian dressing). It comes in two sizes. The small size is more than enough for two. 

We had a couple of pies. My pizza tasting companion insisted on the Five-O (ham, bacon, pineapple, and house hot honey). We added some pepperoni to our pie. While that combo may not be my thing, I have to admit it was damn tasty. 😋 

Now this is more my style. It’s Da Meats! (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, and bacon). If you are a “meatatarian,” this will be your go-to. 📝 If this pizza had Hot Giardiniera as a topping add-on, it would be just about perfect! 😎 

Want to order up your very own Doughboy pie? We can help: 

🍕 HERE’S A LINK TO ORDER YOURS! 

👀 SOME RANDOM OBSERVATIONS 

• This place is still pretty fresh. That means they are still experimenting. If something is great, let them know. If something misses the mark, they would probably be interested in knowing that too (In a constructive way, of course. Translation: Online ranting not necessary. 😉) 

• If you’re looking for a quiet place to hang out and eat a pizza, this may not be the fit. It is decidedly NOT a library. It has some volume to it. You can certainly carry on a conversation. Not an issue. The best way to describe it may be “lively.” ** If you want to select your own personal decibel level, take a pizza to-go! 

• Doughboy will make up “Par Baked” pizzas. That means you can pop one of these hand-made pies in your own home oven to enjoy at your convenience. Keep one (or two) in the freezer for when the urge hits!

• They have a “no cut” option. Why would you want your pizza uncut? Well, if you’re taking it home, you can square cut it (like I LOVE to do). It still won’t be a Chicago pie, and that’s perfectly OK. 📝 I would like to suggest right here a “Tavern Cut” option for both dine-in and carry-out! 

✅ BOTTOM LINE 

Most people like pizza. And the sheer amount of pizza options in Sarasota reflects that. Most places have loyal and dedicated followings. I’m sure that Doughboy Swift will pick up their die-hard fans too (if they haven’t already). There’s always an audience for a great pie. Pizza addicts are always looking for that next fix! 🍕 

~ LH 

📌 ODDS & ENDS 

⛵ August is Jimmy Buffet Tribute Month at Pop’s Sunset Grill! All month long, they will be celebrating that “Son of a Son of a Sailor.” They’ll be rolling out Buffet-inspired menu items, trivia contests, and even a costume contest! Check the Pop’s website for more info – POP’S JIMMY BUFFET INFO HERE! 

🥃 Who doesn’t love a good Happy Hour? FYI – that’s not a serious question. Most everybody does. Now you’ve got one more great option. Taverna Toscana (1301 6th Ave W. | 941- 357-7772) is tossing their hat into the HH ring. It runs weekdays 4PM-6PM. This is a first-come, first-served bar seating situation. There are lots of delicious Happy Hour choices waiting for you! – HERE IS THE HAPPY HOUR MENU! 

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🗓️ SARASOTA FOOD INFO🗓️ 

Here is some local food information that we think you might find interesting. We’ve provided you with a link to more info. 

📖 BUY A COPY OF OUR 2025 SARASOTA DINING BOOK! – ORDER HERE 📖 

😋 MICHAEL’S ON EAST – MONTHLY EPICUREAN MENU – New Orleans🌍 

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🧑‍🌾 FARMER’S MARKET INFO ‍🌾 

EVERY SUNDAY – Siesta Key Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – Farmer’s Market at Lakewood Ranch – DETAILS 

EVERY SUNDAY – The Meadows Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

EVERY WEDNESDAY – The Phillippi Farmhouse Market (Oct-Apr) – DETAILS 

EVERY THURSDAY – Englewood Farmer’s Market (Oct-May) – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Sarasota Farmer’s Market – DETAILS  

EVERY SATURDAY – Downtown Bradenton Public Market – DETAILS 

EVERY SATURDAY – Venice Farmer’s Market – DETAILS 

THIRD THURSDAY EVERY MONTH – UTC Night Market – DETAILS 

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