Restaurant News: Savor Sarasota, Taste Of Pride, New Restaurants Open

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

Lazy Lobster in Sarasota Rebrands as Kacey’s Seafood

The Lazy Lobster location in Sarasota has been rebranded by its owners and converted into a second Kacey’s Seafood. The location on Longboat Key will remain a Lazy Lobster.

The Kacey’s brand offers a more affordable menu, owner Michael Garey told Observer Media.

“With these inflationary times right now, we took a look at the Lazy Lobster on Lockwood Ridge and the skyrocketing prices of lobster, steak, scallops, veal, ribs, all the Lazy Lobster types of protein, and we thought that location was going to reach special-occasion status,” he said. “Bob (Fracalossy), my business partner, said, ‘Why don’t we just make it a Kacey’s?’”

Sarasota Food Truck Opens Brick-And-Mortar Location

Shiny Gumbo, a popular Sarasota food truck, has opened a brick-and-mortar location in Gulf Gate. It’s taken over the former Jamaican Affair location and offers to-go orders and catering, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

“Our authentic Cajun/Creole food is on point,” owner Patrick Spencer said. “Our concept is cool and casual. We fell in love with Cajun/Creole food so we’re keeping it real by serving from-scratch food like the gumbo that takes all day to prepare. No one leaves this Old Florida, sweet place hungry.”

Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week Runs June 1-14

The annual Savor Sarasota restaurant week kicks off Wednesday and runs through June 14. During this period, dozens of restaurants in the Sarasota area will offer prix-fixed, multi-course lunch and dinner menus for $20 and $35 per person. A full list of participating restaurants can be found here.

New Restaurant Planned for Waterside Place

Another new restaurant has been announced for Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place. Deep Lagoon Seafood, launched by Phelan Family Brands, will offer an upscale, casual dining experience.

“With the efforts of some of the best people in the business the Deep Lagoon brand quickly became a local favorite, sparking the demand for even more locations. The Phelan Family was happy to oblige this request and in less than three years opened what are arguably two of the most beautiful restaurants in Southwest Florida, Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House in Fort Myers and in Marco Island,” the company said, according to the Bradenton Herald.

Phelan also owns and operates Pinchers Crab Shack on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.

Taste of Pride Runs Throughout June

Project Pride hosts its third annual Taste of Pride throughout the month of June. LGBTQ-friendly restaurants in Sarasota and Venice will offer a discount, exclusive offer or free item to celebrate Pride month. Some eateries will even add a rainbow item to their menu for the month. Find a list of participating restaurants and specials here.

“New York-style” Chinese Restaurant Opens in Sarasota

Bamboo Garden, a Chinese restaurant, opened in Sarasota’s Northridge Shopping Center on Clark Road and serves a “New York-style” menu using fresh ingredients, according to the eatery’s website.

Owner Jibing Huang previously operated Chinese restaurants in the St. Petersburg area, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. His daughter, Athena Huang, serves as the general manager.

Downtown Bradenton Welcomes New Deli

The former Sugar Cubed bakery on 13th Street in downtown Bradenton has been converted into Sweet Deli Café. The eatery, co-owned by couple NC Shahbazi and Frank Gerami, serves breakfast all day and creates many of its menu items from scratch, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

“We are passionate about cooking and presenting good food,” said Shahbazi, “and we really love the location. The people are amazing. They are so welcoming and friendly.”

New Pizzeria Opens in Former Demetrios’ Pizza House Spot

In July, Godson’s Pizza House will open in Bradenton in the spot formerly occupied by Demetrios’ Pizza House. Demetrios’ closed in April after 46 years in business.

The new pizzeria is owned by Philip Chaltis, the godson of Gus Sokos, Demetrios’ former owner, according to the Bradenton Herald.

“After Gus decided it was time for him and the Demetrios name to retire, we renamed it Godson’s,” Chaltis said. “Gus said, what if we name it Godson’s because you’re my godson, you’re taking over for the next generation.”