Sarasota Food News
The latest restaurant openings, closings, development, permits and industry updates in Sarasota and across Florida.
Shore Restaurant Plans Hit Code Snags at St. Armands Circle
Restaurateur Tom Leonard's effort to restore Shore Restaurant to St. Armands Circle faces multiple city code challenges, including flood-proofing requirements, balcony encroachment rules, and parking space shortfalls. City staff is in ongoing discussions with the partnership regarding parking solutions in adjacent garages.
Why it matters: The fate of a high-profile St. Armands dining destination hinges on resolving code compliance issues that could reshape the project or delay its opening.
Source: Your Observer • Read full story →
Potbelly Plans Three Locations Across Sarasota-Manatee
Potbelly Sandwich Shop plans to open at least three locations across the Sarasota-Manatee region. The expansion will bring the Chicago-based casual dining concept to multiple markets in the area.
Why it matters: A national sandwich chain's multi-unit expansion signals continued restaurant growth and investment in Sarasota-Manatee's dining landscape.
Source: Business Observer • Read full story →
Hawkers Asian Street Food Opening UTC Location
Hawkers Asian Street Food, a Florida-based chain, is opening at University Town Center in a 5,054-square-foot space along Cattlemen Road. The location will introduce the chain's first street food sweet shop concept.
Why it matters: This is the first UTC location for the popular Asian chain, bringing a new cuisine experience and unique sweet shop concept to Sarasota's premier mixed-use destination.
Source: Patch.com/Florida/Sarasota • Read full story →
Buccaneer Restaurant site adds eight boat slips on Longboat Key
The forthcoming Buccaneer Restaurant on Longboat Key is adding eight new boat slips and repairing existing ones behind the Harbour Square office building. The 1905 Family of Restaurants is developing the concept, which resurrects the historic Buccaneer Inn that operated from the 1950s until 2001.
Why it matters: This development signals progress on one of the region's most anticipated restaurant openings, offering Sarasota diners a return to a waterfront institution with unique boat-in amenities.
Source: Your Observer • Read full story →
TX-Based Burger Chain Open 24/7 Plans Manatee County Location
As a TX-based chain known for its massive burgers and being open 24/7 expands in FL, it's eyeing a new site in Manatee County, reports said.
Why it matters: Whataburger's steady expansion into Southwest Florida suggests Sarasota and Manatee County could soon have another major burger player in the mix. While this location is planned for Manatee County, it reflects the growing appeal of the region to national restaurant brands and gives local burger fans another option to watch as the chain moves closer to Sarasota.
Source: Sarasota Patch • Read full story →