Sarasota Bradenton, Florida – Here’s the latest news on restaurants and bars in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Joey D’s closes in downtown Sarasota
Co-owner Tommy Dennis told the Sarasota Herald Tribune that pizza chain Joey D’s Chicago Style Eatery & Pizzeria has closed its downtown Sarasota location for several reasons.
“We loved being downtown, but road construction that’s been going on for a long time and things like the pandemic were the reasons for our closure,” he said.
They plan to open another Joey D location in Sarasota within the next year. Additional local sites still open include East Sarasota, West Bradenton, Palmetto, and Venice.
Juice Bar opens in Burns Court
A new juice bar, Summer Tap, opened in April in the Burns Court area of Sarasota. The store opens fresh juices and smoothies.
“The idea of staying healthy and offering healthy products inspires me,” owner Galina Najibin told Sarasota magazine. “When my husband and I visited the Dominican Republic, we went to a juice bar where they immediately mixed the juice. It was very refreshing.”
Yolk Roasted Café is coming to Sarasota
The breakfast and brunch chain, The Toasted Yolk Café, has opened a franchise location in Sarasota, according to a press release. The Texas-based chain is known for its farm-to-table offerings and brunch experience.
The chain has 22 locations in Texas — doubling in size over the past two years — and expanding to other states, with 62 franchises planned in Texas, Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Mississippi, Florida and Tennessee.
New gourmet store opens in Southside Village
A new gourmet food shop – two chefs at Hillview – has opened in the village of Southside. Owned by local chefs, Frank Embarlina and Melissa Lotti, the shop serves a mix of baked goods and savory foods, according to Sarasota Magazine.
“It’s basically a playground for us,” Embarlina said.
Midwestern Donut Shop opens Sarasota location
Jack’s Donuts, a Midwest donut shop, has opened its first Florida location on the North Tam Miami Trail in Sarasota.
“This is a first in Florida,” Andrea Ronchini, co-owner/manager of the Sarasota Herald Tribune said. “And we plan to open more in Florida in the future, plus we’ll be adding a lunch menu eventually.
Joseph’s Diner owners open a new restaurant in the original Nokomis location
The original owners of Joseph’s Diner have opened a new restaurant at the original Nokomis site at 625 N. Tamiami Trail.
Edmond and Alsina Prendi are back in the restaurant business with the renamed concept, Joseph’s Pizza & Grill, in a space that was briefly the home of Cucina Gloria.
“We’ve missed out on interacting with our customers,” Edmund Brindi told the Sarasota Herald Tribune. “My wife and I love connecting with people by enjoying good food.”
They have reconfigured the space to give it a modern/rustic look and added pan-European dishes to their menu, as well as pizza and Italian items.
Opening a lemonade shop in Fruitville Commons
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade Stand opened the Sarasota location in Fruitville Commons.
Sarasota magazine reports that a lemonade store will be opening by the end of July by Andrew and Anju Lin, the husband-and-wife team who previously owned and operated the Lemon Bus food truck.