Pura Vida, Public House, Piesanos, SweetBerries: Restaurant News

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

Pura Vida Opening in UTC Area

The Miami-based Pura Vida is opening a new location in University Town Center, according to Sarasota Magazine.

The health-focused chain offers a menu featuring sustainably sourced and fresh ingredients.

The new 2,000-square-foot Sarasota restaurant will open along Cattlemen Road.

Public House Closes

Sarasota’s Public House Tap and Grill at 6240 N. Lockwood Road has closed its doors.

“It is with a mix of emotions that we announce the closure of The Public House Tap and Grill. For nearly six years, we have had the privilege of serving our beloved community with a menu of classic comfort food, craft beer and warm smiles,” the restaurant’s owners wrote in a Facebook post. “Our journey has been filled with countless memories, shared laughter, and the joy of seeing familiar faces walk through our doors."

The owners didn’t share a reason for the closure.

Piesanos Opening in Lakewood Ranch

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza is opening a 3,600-square-foot restaurant in Lakewood Ranch at the Braden River Shopping Center.

This will be the chain’s first location in Southwest Florida and the eleventh in the state, according to the Bradenton Herald.

“Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a nice dinner to catch up with friends or picking up a meal to-go for the family, Piesanos is your place,” Jerry Roberts, co-owner of Piesanos, said in a press release.

SweetBerries Closing After 2 Decades

The SweetBerries on Clark Road in Sarasota is closing after two decades in business. The restaurant served frozen custard, sandwiches, soups and salads.

“Our founder, my father, passed away in March. My mother and I have been trying to figure out what we are doing next,” owner Brandon Osmond told ACB 7, adding, “All of our repeat customers have been coming in four or five times this week.”
The Bradenton location remains open.

New Mexican Restaurant Opening in Sarasota

Kolucan Mexican Bar and Grill is opening at 6644 Gateway Ave., which was previously home to Opus.

One of the restaurant’s co-owners is Gino Calleja, who also owns Reyna’s Taqueria, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He’s teaming up with chef Jose Rojas on the project.

“People can still taste the Reyna’s flavors, but just a bigger, nicer setting, with great cocktails and margaritas and stuff like that,” Calleja said.