Origin Pizza, St. Armands Oyster Bar, O&A Coffee: Restaurant News

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

Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Café Opens Fourth Location

Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Café has expanded once again, opening its fourth location in The Landings shopping plaza in Sarasota.

The local chain’s owner, Rami Nehme, thought Origin would be a good addition to the shopping center, telling SRQ Magazine, “There wasn’t anywhere where people can casually hang out yet.”

St. Armands Oyster Bar Opens

A new seafood restaurant, St. Armands Oyster Bar, opened in the space that formerly housed 15 South Ristorante Enoteca and The Whiskey Barrel in St. Armands Circle, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

Specializing in seafood and Cajun- and Creole-style cuisine, it boasts an open oyster bar — and oysters are served raw or cooked — and New Orleans-themed cocktails.

Chinese Restaurant Opens in the Plaza at Palmer Ranch

A new Chinese restaurant, Mr. Wok, now calls the Plaza at Palmer Ranch home. The owner, Ping Chen, grew up in his family’s restaurant business, opened the eatery in the former Golden China space.

“The restaurant is mainly for takeout,” he told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. “I love all phases of the restaurant business, from the cooking to the friendly people.”

The restaurant offers more than 100 traditional Chinese menu items.

Sarasota Mullet Smoker Closing Down Business After 43 Years

A Sarasota fisherman and mullet smoke is shutting down his business after 43 years.

George Nodaros, who uses an old-fashioned method, smokes the mullet he catches for hours every Saturday morning, according to ABC 7.

“It’s something I enjoy,” he said. “It’s work like anything else. You don’t get nothing for nothing, but I just enjoy it.”

Now, as he gets older, he expects this season or next season will be his last.

O&A Coffee and Supply Opens at Waterside Place

Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place has welcomed a new tenant — O&A Coffee and Supply.

The bodega-style shop has a walk-up bar and outdoor seating, according to the Waterside Place website. It sells coffee, tea, kombucha, treats and more.