15 South Ristorante, Sharky’s, First Watch, Le Mans: Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Here’s the latest restaurant and bar news in Sarasota and Manatee counties:

First Watch Plans 4 New Tampa Bay-Area Restaurants

Bradenton-based First Watch, a breakfast, brunch and lunch chain, is expanding in the Tampa Bay area, according to a news release.

While two are opening in Brandon and Tampa, the other two are coming to Manatee County by the summer.

The Bradenton restaurant is opening Dec. 11 at 1520 Cortez Road in a former Panera Bread location and will be able to seat nearly 190 people.

By the summer, a Lakewood Ranch eatery is moving into the former Nancy’s Bar-B-Q space along State Road 70 and Lorraine Road.

Sharky’s Building Affordable Housing for Workers

Construction is underway in Venice on affordable housing for workers at Sharky’s on the Pier in Venice. The restaurant itself is funding the project, working with One Stop Housing, according to ABC7.
“To see us putting a project together that’s going to help the restaurant flourish, I think everyone in the community is getting behind that,” Justin Pachota, vice president, said. “Everyone knows the challenges right now with workforce housing and affordable housing.”

Restaurateur Reviving St. Armands Circle Concept

Restaurateur Alessandro Di Ferdinando is reviving his St. Armands Circle concept 15 South Ristorante, according to SRQ Magazine.

The restaurant, which originally operated for 20 years, will open in early 2024 and will pay tribute to the original eatery.

In addition to an authentic Italian menu with pasta dishes made from scratch and woodfired pizzas, it will also have a dance floor upstairs with a bar serving martinis and cocktails.

New Sushi Restaurant Plans Grand Opening

Samurai Japanese Fusion opened in November at 1936 Hillview Street in the space formerly occupied by Pazzo Southside.

The new sushi restaurant is planning its grand opening for Dec. 12, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

High-End French Restaurant Opening in Car Dealership

Sarasota Ford has teamed up with Michelin Star chef Jose Martinez, who is behind the award-winning Maison Blanche on Longboat Key, to open a high-end French restaurant inside the car dealership.

Le Mans Kitchen, a 3,367-square-foot, 38-seat private fine dining restaurant located in the dealership’s front end, opens Dec. 11, according to a news release.

The restaurant will be available only to Sarasota Ford buyers and their guests, as well as customers receiving automotive services at the dealership.