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Sarasota | Business

Damn Good Hospitality has two other Warren locations, one in Naples, one in Sarasota.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 17, 2024
High-end whiskey-centric eatery leases downtown Sarasota spot

A high-end bar and restaurant company is planning its debut in Sarasota with a fine-dining, whiskey-infused location in a coveted second-floor spot on Main Street.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Parkinson's-focused nonprofit in Sarasota names new CEO
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 4, 2024
Parkinson's-focused nonprofit in Sarasota names new CEO

Jennifer Bitner will bring 24 years of nonprofit experience to the organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with Parkinson's.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
John Walsh is the new chief operating officer of Harvest House.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • January 26, 2024
Former SCSO captain named COO of hunger relief, housing nonprofit

Harvest House has named former Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Capt. John Walsh as chief operating officer.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Sandra Frank
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 2, 2024
All Faiths Food Bank CEO leaves behind bigger, stronger nonprofit

Sandra Frank, who helped grow the food bank, will retire after 12 years with the organization.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Taylor Galford
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 18, 2023
Music Compound now offers virtual, hybrid guitar instruction

The Sarasota music school's new course, “Introduction to Guitar Fundamentals: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide," was launched in early December.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Caragiulos opened in Mira Mar in 1989.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • December 11, 2023
Caragiulos restaurant plans to move to Ringling Boulevard

The Italian American eatery will vacate its space in the Mira Mar building on Palm Avenue after 35 years.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sarasota Chamber president and CEO Heather Kasten and Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 8, 2023
Sarasota Chamber connects school officials with business community

"You would be amazed at the heroes that are leading, working in our schools," Superintendent Terry Connor says.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The menu at Le Mans Kitchen has a French accent.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • December 6, 2023
Sarasota Ford opens multimillion-dollar restaurant inside the dealership

Le Mans Kitchen, a high-end, French-style restaurant, is set to open inside the Sarasota Ford dealership — a move designed to increase brand and customer loyalty.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Flock SRQ, a social club and indoor playhouse for young children, will open Dec. 8.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 5, 2023
Indoor playhouse, children's social club opens in Sarasota

The Flock SRQ will offer a wide variety of classes, programs, toys, meet-ups and events for children ages 4 and under.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Two-story Italian restaurant to open on St. Armands in early 2024
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • December 1, 2023
Two-story Italian restaurant to open on St. Armands in early 2024

15 South by Napulè, a Neapolitan-inspired concept, will feature pizzas made in an authentic, gold-tiled oven.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sushi burritos are one of the signature items at Pacific Counter.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 28, 2023
Sarasota restaurant puts fast-casual spin on sushi

Pacific Counter recently opened a location in The Landings.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Bia Candle Co. was among the 20 recipients of the Business Assistance Funds Program.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 24, 2023
Grants awarded to minority-owned businesses in Sarasota-Manatee

The Opportunities For All initiative named 20 local companies recipients of its 2023 Business Assistance Funds Program.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Bill Waddill will leave his position as COO of the Bay Park Conservancy at the end of November.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 21, 2023
Bay Park Conservancy's chief operating officer to step down

Bill Waddill plans a return to development consulting after six years of leading the planning and construction of The Bay.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Original Wolfie’s Deli and Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 18, 2023
Sarasota deli that shuttered two days after its debut reopens

The Original Wolfie’s & Rascal in the Rosemary District, a New York-style and Jewish deli that opened to big fanfare Nov. 2 only to temporarily close two days later, has reopened.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Tania Castroverde Moskalenko has been named CEO of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 17, 2023
Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation names new CEO

Tania Castroverde Moskalenko brings more than 20 years of experience in leading capital campaigns and programming.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Affordable housing cannot be produced for over 40% of Sarasota County households, says Gulf Coast Community Foundation Director of Community Investment Jon Thaxton.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 10, 2023
Sarasota's affordable housing crisis dissected at business summit

Most respondents to a Sarasota Chamber of Commerce survey said their ability to do business has been negatively impacted due to a lack of housing for workers.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Previously known as Brooklyn Bagel & Deli, Buddy's Bagels will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • November 8, 2023
Brooklyn Bagel & Deli shops in Sarasota reopen as Buddy's Bagels

The two Sarasota locations will continue to deliver New York-style bagels that are boiled and then baked.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mayor Kyle Battie introduces Greg LeMond.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • November 8, 2023
Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond partners with Sarasota bike shop

Wheel Street USA, which offers custom designs and complimentary coffee, recently opened in Sarasota.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Original Wolfie’s Deli and Wolfie Cohen’s Rascal House will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • November 4, 2023
Sarasota deli closes temporarily two days after opening, citing staffing issues

The Original Wolfie's and Wolfie Cohen's Rascal House, a New York-style and Jewish deli from executive chef Sol Shenker, opened Nov. 2 in the Rosemary District.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Mike Granthon and Chris Brown own five restaurants in the heart of Siesta Key Village.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 3, 2023
Restaurant company continues to make its mark on Siesta Key

Some of Siesta Key’s most popular restaurants are owned by Chris Brown and Mike Granthon, founders of Sarasota’s Above the Bar Hospitality Group.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Original Wolfie's will serve classic New York deli-style sandwiches under the direction of chef Sol Shenker.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • November 1, 2023
The Original Wolfie's deli opens Nov. 2 in the Rosemary District

The grand opening festivities will feature live entertainment from New York's Dani Luv.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Teri Hansen, president and CEO of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation addresses the Sarasota Chamber membership at its 103rd annual meeting on Oct. 27, 2023.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • November 1, 2023
Sarasota Chamber packs the house for 103rd annual meeting

About 600 attended the event as the gavel was passed to Teri Hansen of the Barancik Foundation.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
AG Lafley helped lead the formation of the Bay Park Conservancy and the opening of the first phase of The Bay.
    By
  • Andrew Warfield
  • October 30, 2023
Founding CEO returns to helm of Bay Park Conservancy

AG Lafley replaces Stephanie Crockatt, who stepped down after five months on the job.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The YMCA brand in Sarasota dates back to 1945.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 30, 2023
Sarasota has a YMCA again, behind nonprofit merger announcement

A no-quit group of volunteers and deep-pocketed donors, paired with some like-minded nonprofit executives, rejoice over the news Sarasota is no longer a city without a Y.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Trader Joe's held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 26, 2023
Trader Joe's opens at University Town Center

The popular grocery store chain held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.

  • East County
  • Business
REI Co-op announced earlier that year that it planned to open a store in the UTC area.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 24, 2023
Outdoor retailer REI sets mid-November opening at UTC

The Seattle-based outdoor gear and clothing brand's other store on the west coast of Florida is in Tampa.

  • East County
  • Business
Nelle Miller will start as CEO of All Faiths Food Bank in January 2024.
    By
  • Jim Stinson
  • October 20, 2023
Sarasota-area food bank chooses prominent community leader as new CEO

All Faiths Food Bank CEO's appointment comes after a national search.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
The Shoppes at University Town Center in east Manatee county will soon be home to a Trader Joe's.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 20, 2023
Trader Joe's opens Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at UTC

California-based grocer Trader Joe’s is known for its signature food items and loyal following.

  • East County
  • Business
Goodwill Manasota President and CEO Donn Githens (second from left) with the Community Ambassador Awards Luncheon honorees (from left) Rob Kehs, Dora Talamantes, Tom Waters and Bill Isaac
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 18, 2023
Goodwill Manasota revives its Community Ambassador of the Year Awards

The awards recognizing community service were last given in 2019.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Rise Up Cafe is located at 1534 State St.
    By
  • James Peter
  • October 13, 2023
Rebranded cafe opens downtown, rolling out 50 new ice cream recipes

Rise Up Cafe challenges New Yorkers to put the Sarasota eatery’s bagels to the taste test.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Payne Park nonprofit hires veteran fundraiser
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • October 9, 2023
Payne Park nonprofit hires veteran fundraiser

Michael Ayres will lead the effort to raise capital and develop partnerships for the renovation and expansion of Payne Park Auditorium.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Chef Sol Shenker will not reveal where the ingredients from Wolfie's mouthwatering sandwiches will come from.
    By
  • Monica Roman Gagnier
  • September 26, 2023
New York-style deli finds new home in Sarasota's Rosemary District

Sol Shenker is executive chef at The Original Wolfie's, which opens in October in the Rosemary District.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The eFoil is growing in popularity in Sarasota.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • September 14, 2023
Ready for a real-life 'magic carpet' ride? Hop on an eFoil.

Learning to fly on a surfboard isn't easy, but the "unreal feeling" is worth it, Sarasota eFoil owners say.

  • Sarasota
  • Neighbors
Carol Hayes cleaning up the inside of Coastal HoBo
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • September 2, 2023
Local businesses encouraged to take damage survey

The survey asks for both physical and economic damages caused by Hurricane Idalia.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Jose Pavet of Cha Cha Coconuts on Aug. 31.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 31, 2023
Businesses on St. Armands Circle clean up after Hurricane Idalia flooding

Shops on the Circle received little water damage from the storm and plan to reopen Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
Cafe L'Europe staff in the Late '70s.
    By
  • Petra Rivera
  • August 30, 2023
Cafe L'Europe builds on tradition for 50th anniversary

The St. Armands Circle restaurant has served the area for 50 years and trained many local restaurateurs.

  • Longboat Key
  • Business
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