Owen’s Fish Camp, Nancy's BBQ, Bar Hana, Tzeva: 2023 Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL - Sarasota and Manatee counties saw a flurry of restaurant activity in 2023.

Here are some of the eateries that residents welcomed and said goodbye to during the past year.

Le Mans Kitchen

Sarasota Ford has teamed up with Michelin Star chef Jose Martinez, who is behind the award-winning Maison Blanche on Longboat Key, to open a high-end French restaurant inside the car dealership at 707 S. Washington Ave.

Le Mans Kitchen, a 3,367-square-foot, 38-seat private fine dining restaurant located in the dealership’s front end, opened Dec. 11.

The Brass Tap

The Brass Tap craft beer chain is expanding into Manatee and Sarasota counties with new locations planned for Parrish, Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Each bar usually measures about 3,200 square feet and offers a rotating menu of 60 craft and domestic beers, a full bar, and food.

Lakeside Bites

Lakeside Bites, the newest addition to The Yard in Venice’s Downtown Wellen, is dishing up fresh-caught Florida seafood, paninis, rice bowls and super casual fare, according to a news release.

Located in one of The Yard’s three retrofitted shipping containers, the eatery recently opened and offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Lakeside Bites is the latest Downtown Wellen venture for Jamie Albano and Ryan Lane, the proprietors of the adjacent Kind Vibes Outfitters.

PigFish at Calusa Brewing

Calusa Brewing and Chef Steve Phelps from Indigenous have opened a new sandwich shop, PigFish, in Sarasota. The shop is located in the former White Buffalo Saloon space.

“Get ready to explore our new space, savor fantastic brews (and) food, and create more memorable moments,” PigFish wrote in an Instagram post.

Rock Inn Restaurant

An historic Black-owned eatery, Rock Inn Restaurant, which dates back to 1945, recently reopened at 2112 Second Ave. E. in Palmetto. The restaurant closed in 2016.

Sharon Isom Scott, the granddaughter of Rock Inn’s founder, Pearl Isom, has reopened the family business, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Public House Tap and Grill

Sarasota’s Public House Tap and Grillat 6240 N. Lockwood Road has closed its doors.

“It is with a mix of emotions that we announce the closure of The Public House Tap and Grill. For nearly six years, we have had the privilege of serving our beloved community with a menu of classic comfort food, craft beer and warm smiles,” the restaurant’s owners wrote in a Facebook post. “Our journey has been filled with countless memories, shared laughter, and the joy of seeing familiar faces walk through our doors."

The owners didn’t share a reason for the closure.

Piesanos

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza opened a 3,600-square-foot restaurant in Lakewood Ranch at the Braden River Shopping Center.

This is the chain’s first location in Southwest Florida and the eleventh in the state, according to the Bradenton Herald.

“Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a nice dinner to catch up with friends or picking up a meal to-go for the family, Piesanos is your place,” Jerry Roberts, co-owner of Piesanos, said in a press release.

Yume Sushi

Yume Sushi, which has called downtown Sarasota home for nearly two decades since opening in 2005, has closed its doors for good.

“After 18 years of serving our beloved community, we decided to sell our business to take a break,” the restaurant’s original owners wrote in a Facebook post. “Unfortunately, the new owners were not able to continue to run Yume as we had hoped and have decided to close the doors shortly after the sale. Saying goodbye to Yume is bittersweet, but we wanted to make sure that we give our extended family, loyal customers and patrons, and Sarasota community a proper farewell and huge thank you for your continued, unwavering support.”

The Original Wolfie’s & Rascal House

After temporarily closing days after its early November grand opening because of staffing issues, the Original Wolfie’s & Rascal House has reopened permanently in Sarasota.

The deli reopened its doors to diners Nov. 20.

“The Original Wolfie’s and Rascal House are officially open again. We are excited to welcome you to our stage where YOU will feel like a Broadway star,” owners wrote in a Facebook post.

The Breakfast Company

The Breakfast Company has opened the doors of the local chain’s second Bradenton eatery in the University Town Center area.

The family-owned company opened its first restaurant in Sarasota in 2020 and a Bradenton location earlier this year.

“This was about 1-and-a-half years in the making. We’re happy to be here now. We have a big vision for the company,” owner Dimitri Syros told the Bradenton Herald about the University Town Center store. “We are looking to continue growing the company.”

Ocean Prime

A two-story Ocean Prime restaurant is opening in The Quay along the downtown Sarasota waterfront, according to a news release from parent company Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. It’s the company’s 19th location overall.

The more than 9,500-square-foot planned restaurant featuring outdoor terraces on each floor will open in late 2024. It will include more than 350 seats, two bars and two private dining rooms.

The restaurant’s upscale menu features seafood and steaks, hand-crafted original cocktails, special features and decadent desserts.

St. Armand’s Oyster Bar

After about a year in business, St. Armand s Oyster Bar has permanently closed its doors at 15 South Blvd. of the Presidents, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The New Orleans-inspired eatery specialized in Cajun and Creole dishes, including jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, and red beans and rice.

Pacific Counter

St. Pete-based fast-casual restaurant Pacific Counter, known for serving sushi burritos and poke bowls, opened a location in Sarasota last month. The new eatery is at 4942 S. Tamiami Trail, #500.

“Our guests really wanted fresh, high-quality food, they wanted it prepared accurately and they wanted it consistently and quickly,” partner Tanner Loebel told SRQ magazine.

The new location also has a technology upgrade: optional self-service kiosks for ordering quickly.

Owen’s Fish Camp

Owen’s Fish Camp has opened the doors of its second location in Lakewood Ranch at 6156 University Parkway, the Bradenton Herald reported.

The restaurant, which has an Old Florida vibe, is at limited capacity until its backyard seating area will be completed later this month.

The restaurant’s original location is in Sarasota at 516 Burns Court.

Truman’s Tap & Grill

Truman’s Tap & Grill in Lakewood Ranch closed at the end of August.

“I am an eight-year cancer survivor, so I’m selling because it’s what’s best for my health,” Carrie Leitzman, who bought the restaurant with her husband in 2012, told the Observer. “I want to be able to spend time with my 16-year-old, and I want more quality family time.”

She also operated a charity fund that donated to various causes in the community.

Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill

Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill opened at 6644 Gateway Ave., which was previously home to Opus.

One of the restaurant’s co-owners is Gino Calleja, who also owns Reyna’s Taqueria, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He’s teaming up with chef Jose Rojas on the project.

“People can still taste the Reyna’s flavors, but just a bigger, nicer setting, with great cocktails and margaritas and stuff like that,” Calleja said.

Juicys Food

A new restaurant Bradenton serves up county fair staples - deep-fried oreos, turkey legs, funnel cakes and more.

Juicys Food will opened in the former Burger King location at 2319 Cortez Road W., according to the Bradenton Herald.

The company got its start in 1984 as a one-person corn dog stand, according to the Juicys website.

The business, once featured on A&E Network’s “Deep Fried Dynasty,” grew into one of the largest concession providers for fairs and other events in California.

This Bradenton eatery, operating only as a drive-thru, is the brand’s first brick-and-mortar location.

Anna Maria Oyster Bar

Anna Maria Oyster Bar opened its fifth restaurant in the Benderson Development-owned Square at University Town Center in a space formerly occupied by Newk’s Eatery, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Owner John Horne said that “quite a bit of remodeling” was needed in the space, at the time he announced plans for the restaurant.

A sixth location is planned in North Port in the former Family Table space at 14133 Tamiami Trail, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported. This is the company’s first restaurant in Sarasota County.

Morrone’s

Morrone’s New York-style restaurant, pizzeria, deli and bakery opened in Bradenton at 5913 53rd Ave. E. in June. It offers an a la carte menu and daily specials.

SweetBerries

The SweetBerries on Clark Road in Sarasota closed after two decades in business. The restaurant served frozen custard, sandwiches, soups and salads.

“Our founder, my father, passed away in March. My mother and I have been trying to figure out what we are doing next,” owner Brandon Osmond told ACB 7, adding, “All of our repeat customers have been coming in four or five times this week.”

The Bradenton location remains open.

Bar Hana

A new tiki bar from the restaurateurs behind Sarasota's Kojo opened next door on Palm Avenue.

Hi Hospitality Group quietly introduced the new bar, Bar Hana, according to Sarasota Magazine.

“We wanted to fill a void in the downtown Sarasota scene,” says culinary director, Hart Lowry. “A late-night bar with tropical drinks — but food available all day. We have an elevated bar menu with small plates and lots of finger food. But we jacked up the flavors so everything is salty, spicy, creamy and crunchy, the kind of food that complements our drinks.”

Fat Point Brewing

Fat Point Brewing, founded in Punta Gorda, opened its new 2,500-square-foot location in the University Town Center area. Its soft opening started Friday afternoon.

“Fat Point UTC is finally open,” the brewery wrote in a Facebook post. “We know you've been eagerly waiting, and we appreciate your patience. While our kitchen is getting fully operational, we're currently offering a limited menu that includes some delicious options: chips (and) salsa, wings, gator bites (and) coconut shrimp.”

The brewery also has a full liquor bar.

Nicky’s on Palm

Nicky’s on Palm, which has called 49 S. Palm Ave. in downtown Sarasota home since 2018, has closed its doors for good.

“It saddens us to announce the closing of our restaurant and entertainment establishment, Nicky’s on Palm,” the restaurant wrote in a statement published on its website. “Throughout the years of our operation we’ve seen expansion to an entertainment center when Nicky’s became not just a breakfast and lunch spot, but instead a dinner location with cocktails and top flight music.”

The owners indicated that staffing issues and rising costs led to the eatery’s closure.

Veg

Veg in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood closed its doors for good on June 10, the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post. Its closure comes a bit sooner than initially planned.

When Veg’s owner, Mindy Hassett, announced in May that she would be closing and selling the restaurant, she indicated that she would try to keep the vegan-friendly eatery open until July 1.

In that post, she said that she was ready to move on after a decade in business.

“I’ve worked very hard these past years trying to make delicious vegan food for everyone. I’ve raised my children, during that 10 years who are now both young adults. I survived the pandemic by moving my restaurant and doing what I needed to do to keep things going. To keep a roof over mine and my children’s head. I am a single mother and I turned 50 this year. I am ready to try something else,” Hassett wrote.

Nancy’s Bar-B-Q

After closing in 2020, Nancy’s Bar-B-Q reopened in a new location in the Rosemary District. It's located next to the new Food + Beer at 1525 4th Street.

Marlin Bar

The Tommy Bahama brand is opening its seventh Marlin Bar concept in Florida in a new Lakewood Ranch development, the Center Point at Waterside.

The bar will open in the second quarter of 2024, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

A Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar — a separate concept — is located in Sarasota’s St. Armands Circle.

Wings-N-Weenies

After nearly 40 years in business, the final Wings-N-Weenies location in the Sarasota Crossings has closed its doors, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

The restaurant got its start in the downtown Sarasota Food Court in 1985 before launching a second restaurant at the old Gulf Gate Mall, both now closed. Eventually, Wings-N-Weenies also later had locations on Clark Road and Bee Ridge Road.

15 South Ristorante

Restaurateur Alessandro Di Ferdinando is reviving his St. Armands Circle concept 15 South Ristorante, according to SRQ Magazine.

The restaurant, which originally operated for 20 years, will open in early 2024 and will pay tribute to the original eatery.

In addition to an authentic Italian menu with pasta dishes made from scratch and woodfired pizzas, it will also have a dance floor upstairs with a bar serving martinis and cocktails.

Buffalo Wild Wings GO

A delivery- and takeout-only Buffalo Wild Wings GO opened in Bradenton at 5423 14th St. W.
It has a walk-up counter, digital menu boards and a pick-up window, the Bradenton Herald reported.

It will serve the chain’s traditional and boneless wings, hand-breaded tenders, chicken sandwiches, burgers and more.

Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar

Boo’s Ice House & Dog Bar opened in The Rosemary District in recent months. The pup-friendly establishment is at 1314 10th Street.

For owners, it offers wood-fired pizza and other items, and cocktails. There are also indoor and outdoor off-leash dog parks for the pups to enjoy.

Peach’s

Three years after closing for the COVID-19 pandemic, two more Peach’s restaurants reopened, according to the Bradenton Herald.

The Bradenton-based company’s location at 7315 52nd Place E. welcomed diners again on April 14, followed by its eatery at 3201 Manatee Ave.

There are currently seven locations open in Manatee and Sarasota counties, according to the Peach’s website.

The restaurants serve breakfast and lunch and are open Tuesday through Sunday, 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Chateau Sarasota

The stars of the Food Network series “Summer Rush” have opened a new restaurant in the Sarasota area.

Buddy Foy, Jr., and Jennifer Foy opened the Chateau Sarasota at 2001 Siesta Drive in Sarasota on Saturday, according to WFLA.

The couple also owns and operates Chateau restaurants in Bolton Landing, New York, on Lake George, and on Anna Maria Island.

Double Deez

A Chicago-style hot dog restaurant, Double Deez Chicago Style Hotdogs, opened on Anna Maria Island.

The new restaurant has opened in the former space of Mr. Bones BBQ at 3009 Gulf Drive N. in Holmes Beach, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Double Deez is owned by husband-and-wife team — and Bradenton Beach residents — Vince and Deborah Scaccianoce.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened a new location in Lakewood Ranch at 6490 University Parkway, according to a news release.

The 7,016-square-foot restaurant offers a main dining room, a casual dining room, a bar, a bar lounge, patio seating and two private dining rooms for special events.

“The Lakewood Ranch location is our 16th in the state of Florida, representing an exciting expansion in the region that further entrenches us in this area’s fine dining scene,” Cheryl Henry, president of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, said. “We’re thrilled to continue to serve this community and look forward to more expansion opportunities in the future.”

Toasted Yolk Café

The Toasted Yolk Café, a Houston-based brunch restaurant, opened its doors at 3750 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.

The eatery took over the space formerly occupied by Irish 31, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Ibis Pub & Grill

The owners of a closed Sarasota restaurant, Barefoot Bar and Grill, have reopened under a new name — Ibis Pub & Grill — at 8383 S. Tamiami Trail, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

It takes over the space formerly occupied by Pub 32 Irish Pub & Kitchen, which closed last year.

Pub 32 also recently reopened under a new name, The Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen, on Siesta Key.
Ibis’ new menu is similar to the one at Barefoot Bar and Grill.

3 Bridges Brewing

3 Bridges Brewing has opened its Venice brewpub at 1765 S. Tamiami Trail, according to its Facebook page.

The brewery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features a large, dog-friendly outdoor patio and beer garden.

Marcel

After being sold to St. Petersburg Chef Jeremy Duclut, a former “Chopped” television show winner, Melange in downtown Sarasota has been rebranded as Marcel.

“As you may recall, the restaurant was sold earlier this year, and while it appeared there weren't going to be changes made, the new owners have decided to put their own stamp on the more than 15-year-old restaurant,” Restaurants in Sarasota wrote in a Facebook post.

The restaurant closed over the summer for renovations and reopened Wednesday under the name Marcel with a newly revamped menu, which features seafood, beef and vegetarian dishes.

Twin Peaks

The Twin Peaks restaurant chain opened its new Sarasota location at 3060 Fruitville Commons Blvd. on Oct. 9, according to FSR Magazine.

The sports lodge is known for its scratch-made food, 29-degree draft beers and the Twin Peaks Girls.

“It’s about time we brought the Twin Peaks experience to Sarasota,” Joe Hummel, CEO, said. “Located just 30 minutes from the beach, our newest location will be the perfect hangout for sports fans looking to watch a game, enjoy an ice-cold beer, or grab dinner with friends.”

The Sarasota location features a 300-seat dining room and a patio bar.

Tzeva

Sarasota’s Art Ovation Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, welcomed a new restaurant earlier this year: Tzeva, which serves modern Mediterranean cuisine with Israeli influences.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Executive chef Ken Shiro Lumpkin, who created Tzeva’s menu, was born in Oakland, California, and traveled the world for his career before coming to Sarasota, the restaurant shared on social media.

“Raised in a traditional Japanese household, steeped in generations of old family recipes and techniques, Lumpkin’s upbringing has influenced each masterpiece you will experience across our menu,” the restaurant wrote.