Motorworks, Balos, Church’s Chicken, Whataburger: Restaurant Openings, Closings

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

Upscale D.C. Mediterranean Concept Opening Sarasota Restaurant

An upscale Mediterranean dining concept in Washington, D.C., is expanding into Florida, opening its first location in the state in Sarasota.

Balos, known for a contemporary approach to Mediterranean cuisine, is opening an approximately 7,200-square-foot restaurant at The Edge Sarasota, a luxury condominium development at 290 Cocoanut Ave. in downtown Sarasota, Michael Saunders & Company said in a news release.

Bradenton Brewery Abruptly Closes, Plans To Reopen With New Owners

A popular Bradenton brewery announced earlier this month an abrupt, temporary closure through early 2027, with new owners taking over amid an ongoing foreclosure lawsuit.

“Effective today, Motorworks Brewing will temporarily close for an extensive remodel. We hope to reopen on February 1, 2027, under new ownership and new management, with a refreshed space and an exciting new chapter ahead,” according to a post on the brewery’s social media pages. “We look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible.”

Chicken Salad Chick Planning First Sarasota Restaurant

Georgia-based chain Chicken Salad Chick plans to open its first location in Sarasota.

The local franchise owner, Karen Jordan, will open the new restaurant at 6650 Fruitville Road, Suite 132, according to the Suncoast Post.

She also owns a Bradenton Chicken Salad Chick, which opened in 2022, at 5434 Lockwood Ridge Road, and a Parrish location that opened in December at 8730 U.S. 301 N.

Ed’s Tavern Opening Location In Former Chili’s Space

Ed’s Tavern Sports Bar and Restaurant is expanding into Sarasota, with plans to open a new location inside a former Chili’s space at 4131 S. Tamiami Trail, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The locally owned chain currently has restaurants in Parrish and Lakewood Ranch, as well as a location coming soon to west Bradenton at 7433 Manatee Ave. W., according to the Ed’s Tavern website.

National Fried Chicken Chain Planning First Manatee County Location: Reports

A national fried chicken chain plans to open its first Manatee County location after buying property in Bradenton, reports said.

Church’s Texas Chicken bought a 1.14-acre site at 2815 First Street E. in Bradenton for $975,000, the Business Observer reported.

Bradenton Car Wash SPEC LLC previously owned the 50,000-square-foot building, reports said.

TX-Based Burger Chain Open 24/7 Plans Manatee County Location: Report

The Texas-based chain Whataburger, known for its massive burgers and being open 24/7, continues its expansion across the greater Tampa Bay area, as it eyes a new site in Manatee County.

The company recently filed plans with the Manatee County Development Services for a new restaurant in Parrish on Moccasin Wallow Road, the Bradenton Herald reported.

Cock & Bull Could Reopen Later This Year

A beloved beer bar and live music venue in Sarasota, The Cock & Bull, could reopen later this year with new owners, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The venue’s property at 975 Cattlemen Road was bought in February by Frank Giuffre as part of a $3.35 million package.

Giuffre told the Herald-Tribune that he’s working with Dean Lambert, the former regional operations director for Big Top Brewing Company, to revive the Cock & Bull, possibly as soon as October.