Ruth’s Chris, Oak & Stone, Rodney’s Jamaican Grill: Restaurant News

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

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Opens in Lakewood Ranch

Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened a new location in Lakewood Ranch at 6490 University Parkway, according to a news release.

The 7,016-square-foot restaurant offers a main dining room, a casual dining room, a bar, a bar lounge, patio seating and two private dining rooms for special events.

“The Lakewood Ranch location is our 16th in the state of Florida, representing an exciting expansion in the region that further entrenches us in this area’s fine dining scene,” Cheryl Henry, president of Ruth’s Chris Steak House, said. “We’re thrilled to continue to serve this community and look forward to more expansion opportunities in the future.”

With its first restaurant opening in 1965, Ruth’s Chris is known for perfecting its broiling method and seasoning techniques for each cut of USDA prime beef, which is served on a 500-degree plate.

In addition to steaks, diners can also enjoy fresh seafood, scratch-made side dishes and desserts, craft cocktails and wines.

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls Opens in Bradenton

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is serving up the New England classic at its newest location in Bradenton’s Braden River Plaza at 4650 State Road 64 E.

Regional manager Adam Miner told the Bradenton Herald that New Englanders in the area have been complimenting the chain’s lobster rolls.

“This is the closest to being home without being home,” customers say, according to Miner.

Slim Chickens Opening in Sarasota

The fast-casual chicken chain Slim Chickens is opening a new location in Sarasota, at 4096 Jenkins Place, Oct. 10, according to a news release

“We believe in serving fresh, high-quality food to guests who want fast service in a clean and
friendly environment. The Sarasota community has been incredibly welcoming and we couldn’t
be more proud to open our restaurant here,” said Tommy El Mahdi with Florida’s Best Chicken, the local franchise operating this location.

Aside from bringing its famous, delicious fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides to the area,
the new Slim Chickens location in Sarasota will also be hiring more than 75 workers.

Since its founding in 2003, the brand has celebrated over 200 locations opening in 33 U.S.
States — including nine in Florida — as well as international locations in the United Kingdom. By 2025, the chain will have opened 600 restaurants globally.

Slim Chickens is known for its chicken tenders that are buttermilk-marinated, hand-breaded and cooked fresh-to-order and 17 house made sauces. It also offers fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps, and its signature chicken and waffles. To offset the savory side of the menu, rotating desserts served in Mason jars are also available.

Rodney’s Jamaican Grill Returns to Bradenton

Rodney’s Jamaican Grill, which moved from Bradenton to Palmetto seven-and-a-half years ago, will open in its original location, according to the Bradenton Herald.

While waiting for his Florida state inspection, owner Rodney Williams is operating out of his food truck from the location at 420 67th Street W.

Diners can order from the food truck and enjoy their meals in the 120-seat restaurant.

Brew Pub Opens in Venice

3 Bridges Brewing has opened its Venice brewpub at 1765 S. Tamiami Trail, according to its Facebook page.

The brewery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features a large, dog-friendly outdoor patio and beer garden.

New Oak & Stone Opens in South Sarasota County

A new Oak & Stone opened in Downtown Wellen, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

The chain currently has locations on Clark Road in Sarasota and in downtown Bradenton.

The new south Sarasota County location serves the brand’s signature thin-crust artisan pizzas, slow-roasted oven wings and burgers, and also features its signature self-serve craft beer wall with more than 50 rotating taps.

The location also offers rooftop seating.