Metro Diner Sets Sarasota Opening Date

SARASOTA, FL — Hungry folks eager for Sarasota’s new Metro Diner to open don’t have too much longer to wait. A July 5 opening date has been announced for the eatery that bills itself as a place that “brings friends and families together for nostalgic diner favorites.”

The new 3501 S. Tamiami Trail restaurant is located in the Westfield Siesta Key mall. Featuring a menu that’s loaded with diner classics, the restaurant intends to serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Featured on an episode of “Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives,” Metro Diner got its start in Jacksonville in 1992, featuring made-from-scratch items, such as fried chicken and waffles, Charleston shrimp and grits and meatloaf, among others.

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Sarasota’s new location will span 3,404 square feet with seating for 125 people.

“Guests feel at home when they come to Metro Diner because we welcome them as if they are coming to our own house,” Metro Diner founder and Chef Mark Davoli said in a statement announcing the opening date. “Sarasota is a tightknit community and we look forward to instilling that same sense of familiarity when our diner opens its doors in the heart of the suburbs.”

As the grand opening date nears, Metro Diner has plans to hire more than 100 people from the community. Positions include servers, hosts, bartenders and kitchen staff. More information about open jobs can be found on Metro Diner’s website.

A special pre-opening community fundraiser is also planned. The event runs July 1-2 with proceeds benefiting The Mark Wandall Foundation and the Sarasota YMCA Safe Children Coalition. Patrons who provide donations to the event will get a chance to enjoy a sneak peek of the diner. Reservations for the fundraiser, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4 to 7:30 p.m. both days, can be made by calling 941-444-9590.

Starting July 5, Metro Diner will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information, visit Metro Diner’s website.

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Photo courtesy of Metro Diner