Rezoning Requests for P.F. Chang's Approved

Sarasota, prepare your chopsticks.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro hopped its final hurdle Tuesday meaning construction can soon begin on the restaurant's first Sarasota location.

The City Commission unanimously approved rezoning the building's and parking lot plats to Downtown Edge. The city will also transfer Floral Lane to the developer to be used as a driveway. The street currently serves as a private road even though the city owns it.

The rezoning requests were made after Mark Kauffman, the developer, and the city's planning staff realized a conditional use request would pose more challenges to the project, according to city documents. The planning board approvedthe new restaurant on Dec. 14.

The 7,000-square-foot-restaurant requires the demolition of professional office space at 766 S. Osprey Ave., on the corner of Mound Street, and will have a parking lot north of the restaurant on Novus Street. Valet parking will also be ofered, according to the developer.

The restaurant is known for family sized Chinese meals in an upscale atmosphere. The restaurant will offer 208 seats inside and 68 seats outside. Construction is expected to start "as soon as possible," said Joel Freeman of Freedman Consulting and Development. P.F. Chang's company also owns Pei Wei Asian Diner, which has a location in University Park.

The restaurant is expected to open in November or December, he added.