Hob Nob Drive-In, BubbaQue’s, Il Panificio, Element, Chili’s: Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Check out the latest restaurant and bar news from Sarasota and Manatee counties:

BubbaQue’s BBQ to Return to Bradenton

After closing a previous location, BubbaQue’s BBQ plans to return to Bradenton.

East Bradenton BBQ LLC has submitted plans for review by Manatee County to open at 6310 E. State Road 70, What Now reported.

The barbecue chain currently has eight Florida locations and one in Louisiana.

Italian Restaurant to Take Over Downtown Sarasota Space Vacated By Pizzeria

Il Panificio is slated to take over a downtown Sarasota space that was recently vacated by a pizzeria, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

Bravo’s Pizza & Italian Eatery recently shut its doors at 1995 Main Street, near the Regal Hollywood movie theater, after nearly 30 years in business, reports said.

Il Panificio is relocating its current downtown Sarasota operations at 1703 Main Street to this new spot, the Herald-Tribune said. It also has a location in Siesta Key Village.

Chili’s Eyes New Palmetto Location

Chili’s Grill & Bar is looking to open a new restaurant in Palmetto.

The company has filed paperwork to build an approximately 5,400-square-foot location on the northwest corner of Moccasin Wallow Road and 71st Avenue, in the Robinson Gateway Development, the Bradenton Herald reported.

Plans for the proposed restaurant call for the space to accommodate 150 diners, as well as 110 parking spots.

This would be the fourth Chili’s location in Manatee County.

Hob Nob Drive-In Reopens with New Owners

The popular Hob Nob Drive-In, which closed in May 2024 after 67 years in business, reopened with new owners on Tuesday, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The new co-owners of the eatery, who are also behind The Breakfast Company, are Dimitri Syros, and his stepfather, Troy King.

The streamlined new menu offers five signature burgers and a build-your-own option, all made with Wagyu beef. This new version of the restaurant also has counter service rather than servers, reports said.

Hob Nob’s original owners opened the iconic burger stand in 1957.

Popular Downtown Sarasota Restaurant Closing After 10 Years In Business

A popular downtown Sarasota restaurant is closing by the end of the month after a decade.

Element Steak. Seafood. Pasta., at 1413 Main Street, will shut its doors for good on Sunday, the restaurant announced in an April 10 video shared on social media.

The goal is to find a new location and reopen by “season 2026,” according to the video.

The modern steakhouse is closing because it’s lost its lease, according to the restaurant’s website.

On its final day in business, April 26, Element will only offer a 10-course tasting menu for $100 per person.