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Sarasota | Business

Heather Kasten is President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 25, 2025
Greater Sarasota Chamber announces promotions

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce recognized four team members with promotions.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Co-owners Jason Klamson, Sam Ray and Jeffrey Karasawa
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 20, 2025
Sarasota's Tsunami Sushi prepares to reopen under new name

With its new spot in the Rosemary District, Hanami Sushi Cocktails & Grill will fuse Japanese culture with Sarasota history.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jessica Muroff has been CEO of the United Way Suncoast since 2019.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 11, 2025
Community Foundation of Sarasota County names new CEO

The new leader, Jessica Muroff, has held leadership roles with United Way Suncoast and Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood said he is thrilled with how the rebuilding of the restaurant and retail space at 465 John Ringling Blvd. turned out, especially the indoor bar area.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • November 8, 2025
Tommy Bahama celebrates grand return to St. Armands Circle

The combined restaurant and retail store invited guests to join in recognizing the official return after rebuilding from last year's hurricanes.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
The renovation has altered features including the walls, carpet and floors.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 5, 2025
Michael's On East renovations offer a new theme

The Sarasota restaurant's new design aims to evoke the golden age of supper clubs.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Christian Delunas, retail general manager, shows one of his favorite unique purses offered at the newly opened Italian Idea boutique on St. Armands Circle. The shop recently hosted a soft opening for its third attempt to open a location on the shopping hub.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • November 3, 2025
Boutique featuring Italian leather handbags opens on St. Armands

Italian Idea, which hosted its soft opening last week, brings its family fashion tradition to St. Armands Circle.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Lobster Dutchess features a whole Maine lobster stuffed with shrimp, scallops, crab and lobster meat, baked in buttery stuffing with Parmesan and a splash of sherry. Seafood Portugal combines lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp and sausage over pasta.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • October 30, 2025
Lobster Pot infuses New England tradition with Portuguese pizazz

The Medeiros family blends their Massachusetts past and Portuguese ancestry at the Siesta Key Village restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Heather Kasten stands with incoming board chair Jennifer Rominkiecki.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 26, 2025
Chamber welcomes Selby Gardens president as board chair

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting welcomed board chair Jennifer Rominiecki, as well as keynote speaker Jim Knight, a Hard Rock International executive.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Caragiulos opened in Mira Mar in 1989.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • October 26, 2025
Caragiulos closes until new downtown Sarasota spot opens in 2026

The Italian restaurant will be moving locations downtown from Palm Avenue to Ringling Boulevard.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Pepper shrimp is just one of many cross-cultural dishes popular in Trinidad and Tobago and available on the menu at Flambo, the newest restaurant to open on St. Armands Circle.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • October 22, 2025
Trinidadian cuisine on the menu at new St. Armands spot

A new family-run Caribbean restaurant called Flambo quietly opened on St. Armands Circle and looks forward to bringing energy to its new home.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Shoppers and diners have returned to St. Armands Circle a year after the devastation wrought by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 16, 2025
Storm-weary businesses anticipate return to normal season

Sarasota's tourism destinations are polished up, opened up and ready for snowbirds and visitors one year after hurricanes cost businesses the 2024-25 season.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Larry Greenspon (left) and Paul Lederman (right) pose for a photo before a lesson on Oct. 10 at SunCourt Sports. Greenspon had a vision for the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee to create a junior tennis program for underserved youth in the area.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • October 15, 2025
SunCourt Sports stands out in a region crowded with country clubs

The new sports community, directed by Paul Lederman, opened Oct. 15 at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota resident Jordan Wenck created Beanie Bites.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • October 1, 2025
Sarasota resident creates bean-based dessert mixes

Jordan Wenck will be bringing her Beanie Bites products, which are gluten and dairy free, to the Sarasota Farmers Market on Oct. 4.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Achilles Kouskoutis
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 30, 2025
New Greek restaurant to open in Sarasota's Gulf Gate

Nikki's Greek Café, located just south of Stickney Point Road, is targeting an early October opening.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Outgoing Visit Sarasota County Board of Directors members Kara Morgan (left) and Mark Gordon with VSC President and CEO Erin Duggan.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • September 28, 2025
Visit Sarasota County names three board members

The official tourism bureau of Sarasota County appoints three new leaders as three others rotate off the board of directors.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Kilwins Sarasota is located at 312 John Ringling Blvd., St. Armands Key.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 25, 2025
Kilwins makes sweet return to St. Armands Circle

Following a nearly yearlong closure from hurricane damage, the fudge and ice cream shop is reopening this weekend.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Staff at the newly opened Spartina 449 on St. Armands Circle celebrate the opening of the clothing boutique this month. The brand blends flowery linens and leather goods.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 22, 2025
South Carolina-inspired boutique comes to St. Armands

Spartina 449 hopes to help the rebuilding process of St. Armands Circle with the opening of its newest clothing shop.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is opening its SEA site in early October.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 15, 2025
New Mote SEA facility will open in early October

Members get first views on Oct. 6-7 and public on Oct. 8 at its aquarium located near University and I-75 in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
The Columbia Restaurant’s fourth-generation owner Casey Gonzmart Sr., believes that passion and fun are essential in running a restaurant empire.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • September 14, 2025
Family legacy at Columbia Restaurant carries to next generation

Casey Gonzmart Sr. is passing the torch to family members as he steps down as chairman of the board of the 1905 Family of Restaurants.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The King James Big & Tall at 4333 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota is going out of business.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • September 1, 2025
Sarasota big and tall retailer to shutter after nearly 50 years

King James Big & Tall cites competition as its reason for going out of business.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
David Figueroa of Secure HR and Jorge Valdes of Golf Therapy Club enjoy the event experience.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • August 29, 2025
Business casual: Sarasota Chamber holds its grand expo

The eevent allowed the general public and business owners to browse Robarts Arena to see what the local area has to offer.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Amy Blair, the manager at the Old Salty Dog on City Island, said visitors often enjoy seeing dolphins, sharks, seabirds and other wildlife from the waterfront seating.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • August 12, 2025
Old Salty Dog celebrates post-recovery recognition

Not long after reopening from a five-month closure caused by hurricane damage, the longstanding Sarasota bar is celebrating a new national commendation.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Huey Magoo's On the Fly is located in Terminal B, next to Jimmy John's, at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • July 23, 2025
Chicken tender restaurant makes airport debut at SRQ

A new fast-casual dining option is now open at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Leadership change made at Intercoastal Medical Group
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 23, 2025
Leadership change made at Intercoastal Medical Group

Co-founder Dr. John Steele steps down as president at age 83. He is succeeded by Dr. Mark Ramos.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Circus Arts Conservatory board elects new leadership
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 22, 2025
Circus Arts Conservatory board elects new leadership

Julie Harris succeeds Shari Ashman as board chair, while Ken Woodworth becomes vice-chair.

  • Arts + Culture
Gorjana stylist Sydney Scovill and Taylor Lingreen, the store manager, want the customers to feel comfortable and beautiful when shopping at their store.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 14, 2025
California-based jewelry company opens location at UTC mall

Gorjana makes Sarasota its 106th location.

  • East County
  • Business
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens President and CEO Jennifer Rominiecki
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • July 11, 2025
Selby Gardens names new board leadership

Katherine Martucci and Jeannie Russell have been elected chair and vice chair by the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Board of Trustees.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Taylor and Sydney Nichols, co-founders of Le Shop, opening soon on St. Armands Circle, said they are excited to bring high-end espresso and wine to shoppers.
    By
  • Dana Kampa
  • July 8, 2025
High-end espresso and wine shop coming to St. Armands Circle

The owners aim to bring a little something special to the area, providing provisions for the perfect beach picnic and a go-to spot for high-quality beverages.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Anand Pallegar and Rose-Anne Frano have been elected chair and vice-chair of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 28, 2025
Gulf Coast Community Foundation elects new board leaders

DreamLarge Founder and CEO Anand Pallegar has been elected chair and Williams Parker Attorneys at Law partner Rose-Anne Frano has been named vice chair.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Heather Kasten and Daniel DeLeo at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick address attendees.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 25, 2025
Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honors local businesses with spectacle

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce honored winners in 10 categories.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Edwin Jackson hands an autographed baseball to Luke Holcomb, a friend of Raining Berries Founder Bimal Bhojani.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • June 24, 2025
Former Rays pitcher is behind new Raining Berries location in Sarasota

The new Raining Berries location is co-owned by former MLB player and World Series Champion Edwin Jackson and Super Bowl champion star Kenneth Gainwell.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Drayton Saunders and Jenne Britell are the new co-chairs of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • June 22, 2025
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation makes leadership move

Board Chair Jim Travers steps back as Jenne Britell and Drayton Saunders step in as co-chairs.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Mattison's City Grille is now open in Terminal B at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 20, 2025
Mattison's opens at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

The establishment is part of the new restaurants located in Terminal B.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
New CEO of the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce, Sarah Firstenberger, comes over from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County where she was director of marketing and events.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • June 11, 2025
Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce names CEO

Sarah Firstenberger has been named CEO of the nonprofit that promotes businesses and organizations on Siesta Key.

  • Siesta Key
  • News
Heather Kasten is President and CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • June 10, 2025
Sarasota Chamber named finalist for national award

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is among the finalists for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' Chamber of the Year.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Potbelly specializes in sandwiches. It also sells salads, soups, shakes and cookies.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • May 22, 2025
Potbelly opens first Sarasota location

The Sarasota Potbelly will be the 14th for the brand in Florida.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
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