Top Story — December: Taco Bus nixes downtown Sarasota location

Taco Bus has pulled out of plans to open in downtown Sarasota, but another popular Tampa Bay brand may be coming to the space on Main Street.

The owners of the Cask & Ale, a high-end cocktail and tapas lounge with locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg, are eyeing a new spot at 1548 Main St., said Biter Enterprises Chief Operating Officer Ben Kiekel, whose firm owns the property. Entrepreneur Jesse Biter purchased the property for roughly $2.1 million in 2012, before undertaking more than $1 million in renovations on the multi-tenant building.

The Cask & Ale would join Evie's on Main Street and Lila in the building. 

Lila, a new concept developed by the owners of Pomona Bistro & Wine Bar, fills the space the Bullet Hole formerly occupied.

Kiekel said Taco Bus' decision — which was based on a a variety of factors — wouldn't delay occupation of the space, because the new lessee would likely use the buildout. Leases have not been formalized, but the restaurant is slated to open in February.

Taco Bus faced several hurdles related to permitting, including the necessity of a traffic study, which Biter said in a previous interview with the Sarasota Observer had delayed development of the entire project. And the city rejected a school-bus inspired facade and a pick-up window for to-go orders along the front of the building.

Corporate changes — including the loss of the person managing the development of the Sarasota location — further compounded the process.

“I think as sad as we are to see Taco Bus go a different direction, we’re excited for this other opportunity,” Kiekel said.