Owen’s Fish Camp, Rock Inn, Popi’s, Crisp & Green: Restaurant News

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

Sarasota Pub Changes Name, Reopens at New Location

The owners of a closed Sarasota restaurant, Barefoot Bar and Grill, have reopened under a new name — Ibis Pub & Grill — at 8383 S. Tamiami Trail, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

It takes over the space formerly occupied by Pub 32 Irish Pub & Kitchen, which closed last year. Pub 32 also recently reopened under a new name, The Shebeen Irish Pub & Kitchen, on Siesta Key.

Ibis’ new menu is similar to the one at Barefoot Bar and Grill.

“We are offering just a little bit of everything," owner Max Saidian said. "We have Mexican, we have Italian, we have American, and we have Irish on the food menu.”

Historic Black-Owned Eatery, Rock Inn Restaurant, Reopens

An historic Black-owned eatery, Rock Inn Restaurant, which dates back to 1945, recently reopened at 2112 Second Ave. E. in Palmetto. The restaurant closed in 2016.

Sharon Isom Scott, the granddaughter of Rock Inn’s founder, Pearl Isom, has reopened the family business, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Owen’s Fish Camp Opening Soon in Lakewood Ranch

After some delays due to supply shortages, Sarasota’s Owen’s Fish Camp will open its new location in Lakewood Ranch in March.

“We’re taking our time, doing it right,” co-owner Mark Caragiulo told the Observer Media Group.

While the new restaurant will mirror the original eatery, Caragiulo promised some changes.

“We can expand on that southern food-centric aspect, but will flex our muscles a little bit,” he said. "It's just fun experimentation. Playing, cooking, eating, imagining what we're trying to do.”

Crisp & Green Coming to Sarasota

As the Crisp & Green chain expands in the greater Tampa Bay area, the brand is planning to open locations in Sarasota and Estero, according to the Business Observer.

The chain offers salads made from scratch, as well as grain bowls, acai bowls and smoothies.

Owners of Greek Restaurant Chain in Manatee County Honored

The owners of the Popi’s Place, a Greek restaurant chain with five locations in Manatee County, were recently honored by the Manatee River Fair Association.

Kallipoi “Popi” Ameres and her husband, Emmanuel “Manny” Ameres, were given the Manatee County Distinguished Citizen Award for their philanthropy, according to the Bradenton Herald.

“Emmanuel and Popi have always had a heart for people, especially for the community that gave them a chance to have the American dream. Because they love Manatee and Sarasota counties so much, they always have the heart to give back to those who supported them for so many years,” the award recommendation said.