Euphemia Haye says it will reopen on Friday

Euphemia Haye, the landmark restaurant that abruptly closed about three weeks ago on Longboat Key, announced on social media Thursday evening it would be open again for business on Memorial Day weekend.

“We are thrilled to announce that we’re reopening our doors tomorrow, Friday, May 23 – and we’ve missed you more than words can say,’’ read the opening of the Facebook message posted around 5 p.m. Thursday.

The post immediately drew a flurry of responses from more than 100 commenters. Most were supportive.

"Fantastic news. My family's favourite restaurant worldwide,'' posted a well-wisher from London. 

Florida corporate records list the new owner of the restaurant, as of a May 20 licensure date, as Raeree Solomon LLC, with a main address listed in Tierra Verde.  Listed as managers of the LLC are Jason and Rachel Ghormley, who purchased a $13 million condominium in October 2024 at the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, county property records show. 

Jason Ghormley founded Hydrologic, a plumbing and lighting supply company with locations around Florida, including Sarasota. 

According to Euphemia Haye’s website, the restaurant was  established by Les Buntin in 1975 to create a warm, high-quality dining experience. That level of service continued through the years as Ray Arpke and his wife, D'Arcy, acquired the restaurant in 1980. The Arpkes remain the owner of the building at 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, according to Manatee County property records.

Euphemia Haye had become a staple of fine dining on Longboat Key and the Sarasota area, serving popular dishes like the “Key West Snapper” and roast duckling.

The Haye Loft was added to the restaurant in 1992 and was designed as a more festive lounge for up to 30 people with a bar and light bites. Overall, the restaurant expanded six times over the years as it went from 28 seats to 150.

  Former bookkeeper for the Arpkes, Amy Whitt, bought the restaurant in 2022 for an undisclosed amount. She did not respond to requests for interviews at the time of the closing in April.

Whitt started working at the restaurant as an administrative assistant in 2007 and worked her way up to bookkeeper before purchasing the restaurant and assuming ownership.