P.F. Chang's construction work to begin soon

Construction work is set to begin soon on a new P.F. Chang’s restaurant at the corner of U.S. 41 and Osprey Avenue.

Site work is underway, and the contractor is expected to start construction within weeks.

“They expect to start (construction) at the end of December or the beginning of January,” said developer Mark Kauffman, of Bayou Associates Ltd., who purchased the property in June 2012.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. plans to open the doors to the new downtown Sarasota location in July 2013, well before the 2013 fall season.

On Sept. 17, city commissioners approved a plan to vacate a portion of the road to make way for the restaurant’s parking.

Kauffman expects to secure a building permit next week for construction of the 6,900-square-foot, stand-alone building.