Top Story — February: Nancy's Bar-B-Q coming to Main Street

Nancy’s Bar-B-Q isn’t packing up its downtown Sarasota location, but it is moving to the east side.

The restaurant, which has a cult-like following for its North Carolina-style pork barbecue, has signed a lease for a unit on Lakewood Ranch Main Street and likely will open for business in May.

“We’re ripe for growth, and I feel confident this is the right fit,” Nancy’s owner Nancy Krohngold said of her future second location. “I’m extremely excited about being the first barbecue location in Lakewood Ranch.”

Krohngold originally planned to open in a spot farther west on University Parkway, near the Mall at University Town Center, but those plans fell through after Benderson Development scrapped plans for the outparcel Nancy’s would occupy, Krohngold said.

Instead, she reached a deal with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch subsidiary Lakewood Ranch Commercial Realty almost immediately after her plans fell through in October. 

The addition of Nancy’s and Barre3, a ballet studio slated to open March 2, brings leasing on Main Street to 100% occupancy, after losing Chico’s and Soma to The Mall at University Town Center, LWR Commercial Realty President Kirk Boylston said.

Krohngold signed a lease for a 1,500-square-foot space. Although it isn’t as large as Krohngold envisioned, she doesn’t see it as a problem; instead, it’s a strategic move.

“The idea is to get a footprint out here,” she said. “But as demand dictates, we’ll be driven to a larger space. I’m definitely making a home for us in Lakewood Ranch.”

She added: “I like being part of a local growing neighborhood. It’s a better fit. It’s more of a hometown feel (than the other site).”

Krohngold said the Lakewood Ranch location will have the same look and feel as the Sarasota restaurant, located at 301 S. Pineapple Ave.

However, the menu will be slightly smaller, although similar. Nancy’s famous pulled pork, smoked chicken and sides, among other items, will be available.

Boylston said he was eager to bring Nancy’s to Lakewood Ranch.

“Her food is something that’s different than what we already have out there,” Boylston said. “We both agreed it’s a good move for her.”

Nancy’s Bar-B-Q opened its Sarasota location in March 2011.