Barbecue and beer opening on Lakewood Ranch Main Street

After months of setting up shop, Nancy Krohngold, owner of Nancy’s Bar-B-Q in Sarasota, is almost ready to open the doors of her new barbecue joint in Lakewood Ranch.

A post on Nancy’s Bar-B-Q Facebook Monday said the new location on Lakewood Ranch Main Street would be opening in a week, but some equipment delays are pushing it back, Krohngold said.

“I think we’ll open up before the holidays,” she said, adding realistically it will be 10 to 14 days before the doors officially open.

Li’l Nancy’s at the Ranch will seat about 36 people and will serve up about 80% of the downtown Sarasota location’s menu.

“We’re bringing our greatest hits,” Krohngold said.

The space constraints of the Main Street suite prevent her from bringing out a smoker. The restaurant will not serve ribs or bone-in chicken, but every day, freshly smoked meats from the Sarasota smoker will be served up in brisket, pulled pork and other menu favorites.

Krohngold is excited to open — and excited for a new neighbor right next door.

Siesta Key resident Jeanne Dooley, a former Class A professional golf instructor, is aiming a soft-opening the first week of January for her craft beer shop, Craft Growlers to Go and Tasting Room.

“People who like beer like barbecue, and vice versa,” Krohngold said. “What could be a better fit?”

Located right next door to Li’l Nancy’s, the craft beer venue will specialize in selling local and regional beers in 32oz and 64 oz growlers to go. Patrons can also come to the shop and taste new beers or have a drink.

“The atmosphere will be welcoming — and family friendly,” Dooley said. There won’t be a traditional bar, to keep to-go traffic flowing, but high-top tables and comfy couches will allow others to come in, sit down and socialize or work. She even plans to have root beer on tap, so kids can get a growler, too.

“It will be a place that feels good to hang out,” she said.

Dooley will have 45 taps with local and unique brews. She wants to be sure there are lots of different types, and plans to serve up local microbreweries. The soft opening is tentatively set for Saturday, Jan. 2, and the grand opening that Friday, Jan. 8.