Pollo Tropical signs lease near Sarasota Memorial

Pollo Tropical, a Carribbean-themed restaurant, has signed a 20-year lease to replace the former Square 1 Burgers building on South Tamiami Trail, according to documents filed with the Sarasota County Clerk’s office.

The fast-casual chain plans to open a 3,600-square-foot restaurant at 1737 S. Tamiami Trail, which is across U.S. 41 from Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Pollo Operations plans to spend $975,000 on the new 90-seat restaurant, which will include a drive-thru, according to  development application filed with the city.

With an opening date slated for May 2017, it’s the second of two Pollo Tropical locations planned in Sarasota County.

In February, the restaurant filed permits with Sarasota County to replace the Shell station at Sarasota Crossings, the shopping center at the northeast corner of the intersection of Fruitville Road and Honore Avenue.

The Caribbean-themed concept, which has more than 160 locations, was founded in Miami in 1988. The restaurant operates under the umbrella of Addison, Texas-based Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., and is known for marinated chicken and pork dishes.