Daiquiri Deck’s New Location, Bijou’s Broadway Brunch, Fork & Hen To Open: Restaurant News

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

Bijou Garden Café Announces New Broadway Brunch Series

Bijou Garden Café, an iconic downtown restaurant offering fine dining with an intimate and inviting ambiance in the heart of Sarasota's theatre and arts district since 1986, has announced a new series of recurring monthly events called Bijou's Broadway Brunch.

The event will be hosted by popular drag performer Berry Ayers as Beneva Fruitville singing song selections from Broadway, cabaret and movies, accompanying herself at the piano.

Office Bar In Sarasota Serving Hot Food From Vending Machine

The Office Bar at 1989 Ringling Blvd. in Sarasota is now serving late-night snacks from a vending machine offering hot food items. Items on the menu include White Castle cheeseburgers, pretzel dogs and mojo-pulled pork with rice and beans.

The machine, called Smart Bistro, is popular with bar patrons, co-owner Gina Pinto told Sarasota Magazine.

“They (Smart Bistro) are here pretty much every day restocking it, because we sell out,” she said. “Sometimes, at 1 to 2 in the morning, there are people that get hungry. No restaurants are open and this is the perfect solution.”

New Daiquiri Deck Slated For Bradenton Riverwalk Expansion

With Bradenton’s Riverwalk expanding east, the Daiquiri Deck chain is planning a new location near the Tarpon Pointe Marina. The frozen beverage bar will break ground sometime within the year, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

“If you look at our Daiquiri Deck in Bradenton Beach, Bradenton Beach has that old Florida feel. Downtown Bradenton also has that old Florida feel,” co-owner Troy Syprett said. “I can see the potential in downtown Bradenton. It’s an unpolished gem. They’re polishing it right now, and I want to be a part of it.”

Christian Kitchens Coffee Launches Subscription Service

Sarasota-based Christian Kitchens Coffee — an ethically-sourced and freshly-roasted coffee subscription company — has pledged a portion of its proceeds to Resurrection House, Inc, a Sarasota County resource center for the homeless community.

Like millions of other Americans, Christian Kitchens co-founders Steve and Beth Agren start their days with a cup of coffee and believe how coffee is sourced and roasted impacts the taste, the environment and our health, according to a news release. Because of this, they decided to create sustainable coffee subscriptions so that anyone can enjoy ethical and healthy coffee.

“The launch of our coffee subscriptions provides access to Fair Trade blends, single origins, Swiss Water Process decafs, and allergy-free gourmet flavored coffees — which are all locally-roasted and will satisfy everyone’s love of coffee,” Beth said. “But more importantly, we pack our subscription boxes with delightful little surprises that inspire people to spend quality time with Jesus.”

Restaurant Serving Southern Comfort Food Opens In Sarasota County

Fork & Hen, serving Southern comfort dishes, such as fried chicken, will open in the former Leaf & Lentil space at 2801 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.

The owners, Mark Traugutt and Alfonso Duron, previously operated Fork & Hen locations in two Florida food halls — The Hall on the Yard in Orlando and the former The Hall on Franklin in Tampa — according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Traugutt and Duron, who both live in the Sarasota-Manatee area, said the restaurant will offer a different menu from their food hall concept.