Shore Restaurant could return to St. Armands

A three-story, mixed-use development with retail space, a popular restaurant, a cafe, a bodega and a courtyard-style pool is the vision for a piece of property on the edge of St. Armands Circle.

Documents submitted to the city of Sarasota’s Development Review Committee show tentative plans for two parcels on the northeastern quadrant of the circle, at the corner of Madison Drive. A pre-application conference for the Shore Restaurant is listed on the Dec. 17 agenda describing a renovation of 0.33 acres to a mixed-use project which includes “a restaurant, retail space, and approximately eight residential units” at 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents.

In a news release, the potential residential units are described by Shore as a luxury residential space that could evolve into a boutique hotel to create the first “fully immersive Shore lifestyle destination.”

Shore Restaurant, in the release, said the goal is to bring Shore Restaurant, Shore Cafe and Shore Retail to the property with the renovations. The restaurant will bring New American Coastal Cuisine featuring fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients. The cafe will offer healthy grab-and-go options and the retail space’s shelves will be lined with men’s and women’s resort lifestyle apparel.

Image courtesy of Shore Restaurant

Shore Restaurant, with locations on Longboat Key and near Orlando, previously had a St. Armands Circle location, but it closed in late 2024 after suffering flooding damage from hurricanes. Shore co-founder Tom Leonard said at the time that infrastructure issues on the Circle “forced us to re-evaluate our future here.” In Shore’s previous space the Tommy Bahama clothing store and restaurant opened.

Now, Shore’s potential return to St. Armands looks to be in the works, described in a press release as a full-circle homecoming moment. Tom Leonard wrote in a press release that the redevelopment would include flood-proofing and would be built to last “for generations.”

“St. Armands shaped Shore into what it is today,” Susan Leonard said. “Reopening here is emotional for all of us, our family, our team, our longtime customers. It feels like coming home, but with a completely renewed vision for the future.”

A pre-application conference appears on the agenda for the potential return of Shore with United Associates Ltd. and Kauffman Family Prtshp #1 Ltd listed as the applicant of the project.

Rezoning from Commercial Tourist will not be necessary, but there are many steps before the project is finalized or approved, starting with the pre-application conference during which city staff will discuss any potential issues or needed steps with the developers and Development-Review Committee. According to a city of Sarasota development application, there are a possible 17 steps needed after which include traffic studies, site plan submittal and community workshops.

Image courtesy of Shore Restaurant

According to a packet submitted to Sarasota’s Development Review Committee by consultants Kimley-Horn and Associates, the proposed project would combine 24 and 28 N. Boulevard of the Presidents into one building while adding a third floor. The project will be completed in three phases which include a partial demolition and renovation.

“The scope of this renovation will be substantial but carefully calibrated to stay within the maximum limits permitted by the city’s zoning code,” the Kimley Horn packet states. “By approaching the project in carefully planned phases, the development team aims to reopen an iconic destination in a resilient manner that respects local regulations, while preserving and enhancing the unique character of this iconic Sarasota locale.”

United Associates and Kauffman Family are connected to Dr. Mark Kauffman, a prolific Sarasota property owner and developer; his daughter Mindy Kauffman; and Sarasota-based Red Property Management, according to Florida Department of State records.

According to a release from Shore, the three-story “Shore flagship” on St. Armands is expected to open in spring 2027. The project would need city of Sarasota Planning Board approval, but would not need City Commission approval.