Bojangles, Cafe L’Europe, Spice Indian, First Watch: Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Here’s the latest restaurant and bar news in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas:

Bojangles Coming to Bradenton

The popular Southern chicken chain Bojangles is planning to open two new Bradenton locations, What Now Tampa said.

One will be located at 613 Cortez Road and the other at 7845 State Road 64 near the River Heritage Boulevard intersection.

The latter will be a company-owned store, while it’s unknown whether the former will be company or franchise owned, reports said.

Venice Indian Restaurant Owners Expand into Sarasota

The owners of Tikka Indian Cuisine in Venice have expanded north into Sarasota, opening Spice Indian Cuisine in Beneva Village Shoppes at 3550 Clark Road, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The restaurant opened in the space formerly occupied by Curry Station.

Pallavi Joshy, co-owner, said plans for the second restaurant moved quickly after learning Curry Station was for sale.

“When we came to know it was for sale, we went and talked to them I think the same day, and they were happy that there was a buyer because I guess their lease was going to end in a year or something," Joshy told the Herald-Tribune. "It all happened so quick."

New First Watch Planned in Manatee County

First Watch, a national breakfast and lunch chain headquartered in Bradenton, is opening a new Manatee County restaurant.
The new eatery at 8990 U.S. 301 N. in Parrish will open Dec. 16, the Bradenton Herald said.

Customers dining in during its first week in business will be given a free Project Sunrise coffee with their meal.

St. Armands Restaurant Reopening Under New Name After Hurricane

A 51-year-old St. Armands restaurant, one of the oldest in Sarasota, will reopen in January with a new name and concept after closing two months ago because of hurricane flooding, according to the Observer.

Cafe L’Europe has been reimagined as The Cafe on St. Armands by its owner, Oysters Rock Hospitality, which bought the restaurant in 2022.

It will focus on a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on seafood.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes to rebuild and reimagine Cafe L’Europe, creating new experiences just for you,” the owners wrote on the restaurant’s website. “Thank you for your patience and support as we prepare to welcome you back soon.”