Caragiulo to open new restaurant in Southside Village

With inspiration from the Elvis Costello song “Veronica,” Sarasota restaurateur Mark Caragiulo plans to open a raw bar and seafood restaurant at the former site of Sam Snead’s American Grill.

Though Caragiulo, who co-owns Shore Diner, Owen’s Fish Camp and Caragiulo's, has not set an opening date for Veronica Fish & Oyster, he plans to employ as many as 50 staff members for the 150-seat "upscale, supper club-style" restaurant. The Southside Village location has been vacant for about 10 months.

“It’s kind of got the best of everything— bucolic store fronts and a great neighborhood to support it,” Caragiulo said. “And it’s exactly four miles from Siesta Village and Lido, so it’s only a 10-minute drive.”

Veronica Fish & Oyster will join Mercato, a new pizzeria and bar opening next year in the former Ocean Blues and Bodega Charlie’s space on Hillview Street, as the newest restaurants in the shopping district. 

Caragiulo said he plans to redo the exterior of the restaurant with a warmer and fresher look.