FL Restaurant Openings, Closings: Chili’s, Applebee’s, Kelly’s, Chick-fil-A, Zōtō

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Check out the latest bar and restaurant news from the Sarasota and Bradenton area.

Fast Food Chain Opens New Restaurant In Bradenton Area

A new Chick-fil-A restaurant opened its doors in the Bradenton area on Thursday.

The new Bayshore Gardens location at 6010 14th Street W. created about 130 jobs in the area, according to a news release.

The franchise, owned by local owner-operator Nathan Anderson, is the fourth Chick-fil-A in Manatee County. The others are at 4311 Manatee Ave. W., 5206 73rd Lane E. and 4573 14th Street W., all in Bradenton.

Modern Japanese Restaurant Concept Coming To University Town Center

A modern Japanese dining experience from James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung is coming to the Sarasota area later this year.

Zōtō, a restaurant concept blending Japanese bar culture and culinary tradition, will bring an upscale izakaya experience to the University Town Center, according to a news release.

The contemporary restaurant will open at 190 N. Cattlemen Road, next to Shake Shack.

Cheese Shop to Stay Open Thanks to Fundraiser

Artisan Cheese Company in Sarasota’s Rosemary District will stay open after announcing its closure thanks to community support, WFLA reported.

Not only did shoppers stop by the store in the days after the announcement, but more than $40,000 was raised through a GoFundMe fundraiser to save the cheese shop.

“We reversed our decision and are going to figure out how to make it work,” the owner told WFLA. “People need to come in and you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars, just buy one thing or just come say hi to us or do something like that and keep us going because we are here for the community and the community showed up for us. Obviously, they are here for us too.”

Kelly’s Roast Beef Opening

Kelly’s Roast Beef is opening its second location in the Bradenton-Sarasota area.

The chain, known for roast beef sandwiches and other New England favorites, is opening its latest location at 8710 U.S. 301 North in Parrish’s Creekside Commons shopping plaza, the Bradenton Herald reported.

It’s the franchise’s sixth Florida location. Another Kelly’s opened in the Square at University Town Center at the end of 2022.

Savor Sarasota Celebrates 20 Years

Savor Sarasota, which runs June 1-20, celebrates 20 years in Sarasota County.

More than 50 restaurants throughout the county - from the barrier islands of Longboat Key and Lido Key to the downtowns of Venice, Sarasota and Englewood - will offer multi-course menus, according to Visit Sarasota.

Lunch menus will cost $25 per person and dinner is $45 per person.

Applebee’s, Chili’s Locations Close On Same Day

Two chain restaurants have closed in the Sarasota area, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

The Chili’s Bar & Grill on South Tamiami Trail, near Trader Joe’s, shut its doors for good on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar at 3255 University Parkway closed down the same day.