Sarasota Food News
The latest restaurant openings, closings, development, permits and industry updates in Sarasota and across Florida.
Paragon Festivals Announces 2027 Seafood and Music Festival Schedule Across Florida’s Gulf Coast
Explore Paragon Festivals’ 2027 Florida seafood and music festival schedule, including events in Sarasota, Bradenton, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers and St. Petersburg
Why it matters: Seafood festival season is already taking shape for 2027, with several events planned close to home. Sarasota kicks off Paragon Festivals’ Gulf Coast schedule January 8–10, followed by nearby stops at Coquina Beach, Englewood, and Bradenton, giving local food lovers plenty of opportunities to combine fresh seafood, live music, and a day outdoors.
Source: Suncoast Post • Read full story →
A Burger A Week – Pigfish
We’ve Done the Calusa Burger Before. Just Not This One.
Why it matters: Sarasota’s burger landscape is always changing, and sometimes it’s worth revisiting an old stop. Pigfish has replaced the food truck that once handled burgers at Calusa Brewing, and its grass-fed smash burger, especially with the $1 pimento cheese upgrade, gives burger fans a new reason to make the trip to Calusa’s McIntosh Road brewery.
Source: dineSarasota • Read full story →
Forks & Corks Returns to Sarasota for 20th Anniversary
Forks & Corks will return to Sarasota January 21–25, 2027, celebrating its 20th anniversary with wine tastings, dining events, and special programming. The five-day festival features international wines and local restaurants.
Why it matters: Sarasota food and wine enthusiasts should mark their calendars for this major annual celebration of local dining and international wine.
Source: Suncoast Post • Read full story →
Gecko’s Grill Collaborates with Meals on Wheels Sarasota
Gecko's Grill and Pub partnered with Meals on Wheels Sarasota to pack 469 meals for homebound seniors. Executive Chef James led the restaurant's charitable effort to support the community.
Why it matters: Local diners will appreciate knowing about Gecko's commitment to Sarasota's food security and senior support initiatives.
Source: SRQ Magazine • Read full story →
Two Sarasota-area restaurants close amid franchisee bankruptcy
Two Sarasota-area restaurants have closed following a franchisee bankruptcy. The closures are part of broader financial challenges affecting the restaurant chain's regional operations.
Why it matters: Local diners lose dining options and employees are affected by the closures in the competitive Sarasota restaurant market.
Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (may require subscription) • Read full story →
Michelin-recommended Tralia opens in Rosemary Art & Design District
Tralia, a Michelin-recommended pizzeria, is opening a new location in Sarasota's Rosemary Art & Design District. The restaurant represents a significant dining addition to the growing neighborhood.
Why it matters: A Michelin-recommended restaurant arriving in Sarasota elevates the local dining scene and brings national culinary recognition to the area.
Source: Sarasota Magazine • Read full story →
Tommy Bahama’s Marlin Bar Concept Opens at Waterside Place
Tommy Bahama's Marlin Bar, a new casual concept from the luxury brand, has opened at Waterside Place combining island-inspired dining, cocktails, shopping and live music. The format emphasizes accessibility and entertainment while maintaining the brand's signature island aesthetic.
Why it matters: This new concept adds a more accessible casual dining option with live entertainment to Sarasota's waterfront dining scene.
Source: Your Observer • Read full story →
Popular Restaurant Opens First Sarasota County Location
A popular restaurant has opened its first Sarasota County location, serving burgers, brunch, cocktails, and comfort food. The establishment builds on the success of its original location.
Why it matters: New restaurant expansion brings established dining concepts to Sarasota County, offering residents additional options for casual dining.
Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (may require subscription) • Read full story →
National Frozen Custard Chain Opens First Sarasota Location
A national frozen custard chain has opened its first Sarasota-area location in Siesta Village near Siesta Beach. The expansion marks the brand's debut in Sarasota County.
Why it matters: New dessert options near Siesta Beach add to the area's dining diversity and appeal to both locals and beach visitors.
Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune (may require subscription) • Read full story →
Old Salty Dog Named One of America’s Best Hot Dog Spots
Sarasota's Old Salty Dog has earned recognition as one of America's best hot dog destinations. The City Island location offers open-air dining with views of Sarasota Bay, where guests can spot dolphins, seabirds, and passing boats.
Why it matters: The recognition highlights a beloved local institution that draws both residents and visitors to Sarasota's waterfront dining scene.
Source: Suncoast Post • Read full story →
Rebranded Suncoast Food & Wine Fest Returns for 24th Year in November
Lakewood Ranch's premier food and beverage event debuts a rebrand for its 24th year, scheduled for Nov. 14 at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch. The event raised $147,000 for charity in 2025 and features over 30 local restaurants and wine specialists.
Why it matters: This rebranded annual event provides foodies an opportunity to sample from diverse local restaurants while supporting Rotary's community charitable initiatives.
Source: Your Observer • Read full story →
Walking Progressive Dinner Downtown Benefits All Faiths Food Bank
Taste Dining & Travel is hosting a walking progressive dinner August 15 featuring Hyde Park Grille, Caragiulos, and Mattison's. A portion of proceeds benefit the All Faiths Food Bank.
Why it matters: Downtown Sarasota's fine dining restaurants are collaborating for an experiential event supporting community food security.
Source: Patch • Read full story →
Serrecchio’s launches Saturday lunch popup at Seagrape Wine Co.
Serrecchio's has turned Seagrape Wine Co. into a weekend lunch destination, creating a casual dining experience on Saturdays. The popup transforms the wine shop into a social lunch spot for locals.
Why it matters: Local restaurants are innovating with popup concepts that blend dining and retail, offering new ways to experience Sarasota's food scene.
Source: Sarasota Magazine • Read full story →
Multiple Restaurant Openings and Closings in Sarasota-Bradenton
The Sarasota and Bradenton area is seeing significant restaurant activity with multiple locations opening and closing, including Balos, Motorworks, Church's Texas Chicken, Whataburger, Chicken Salad Chick, and Cock & Bull.
Why it matters: Local diners should track these changes to discover new dining options and note any favorite closures in the region.
Source: Patch • Read full story →
Nation’s First Co-Branded Buffalo Wild Wings Go & Jimmy John’s Opens
The first co-branded Buffalo Wild Wings Go and Jimmy John's location opens Monday, Aug. 18, at 5241 69th St. E in Palmetto. Sarasota-based Quality Foods Restaurant Group will operate the 2,100-square-foot location with separate kitchens for each brand.
Why it matters: This innovative co-branded concept gives Manatee County diners access to two quick-service brands in one location for the first time nationally.
Source: Business Observer • Read full story →