Molly’s Pub, Demetrios’ Pizza, Baby Paul’s BBQ, Goodfellas Cafe: Restaurant News

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

Local Pizza Chain Opens 7th Location

Rico’s Pizzeria & Pasta House, a local chain in Sarasota and Manatee counties, opened its seventh location — and its first in West Bradenton — in the Saddle Creek Plaza.

The restaurants are owned by a trio of brothers, Sal, Gregory and Maurice Dentici, who grew up helping with their father’s restaurant businesses in New York and New Jersey, according to the Bradenton Herald.

The family’s roots are in Sicily and their menu focuses on Southern Italian cooking.

Irish Pub Opens in Downtown Sarasota

Molly’s Pub, an Irish restaurant, recently opened in downtown Sarasota.

Owned by father and son restaurateurs, Steve and Mike Evanoff, the pub opened next to its sister restaurant, Evie’s on Main Street, replacing Evie’s bowling alley, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

They named it after Molly Malone Evanoff, their wife and mother, respectively, and surprised her with the new restaurant with a private party on St. Patrick’s Day.

After 46 Years, Bradenton Pizzeria Closing

Demetrios’ Pizza House on Cortez Road in Bradenton is closing its doors for good April 16 after 46 years in business. The restaurant is known for its soft-crust pan pizza.

The owners told the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that they’re “physically and mentally exhausted” from the demands of operating a restaurant.

“There’s nothing like having your own business,” co-owner Gus Sokos told the news outlet. “But a lot of people, they don’t realize the time commitment, especially with a restaurant. It’s very demanding.”

Barbecue Restaurant Opens in Downtown Sarasota

A “simple, down home” barbecue restaurant — as described by its owner, 80-year-old “Baby” Paul Orofino — has opened its doors in downtown Sarasota.

Baby Paul’s BBQ is just the latest offering from Orofino, who has been in the restaurant and entertainment business for nearly 50 years, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He previously owned barbecue restaurants in the Miami area.

Coffee Shop Serves New Orleans-Style Coffee

A new coffee shop in Sarasota, Coast to Coast Coffee, is serving coffee New Orleans style with ground chicory root ground in for a bold flavor, according to Sarasota Magazine.

Coast to Coast opened at 7650 S. Tamiami Trail at the end of March after months of renovations.

Goodfellas Pizzeria Closes, Will Reopen at Dog Bar

Goodfellas Café & Winery closed its location at 4571 Clark Road in Sarasota at the end of March.

But don’t worry if you’re a fan of the restaurant’s woodfired pizza. They’ll reopen this summer, hopefully by July 1, at Boo’s Icehouse and Dog Bar, which is opening in the Rosemary District.

“We're going to miss each and every one of you, but we can't wait to see you at our new location downtown at 10th and Central! We'll be in the old Icehouse building,” Goodfellas wrote on its Facebook page.