Wings Etc., OfKors, Capriotti’s, Johnny Tomatoes, Rodney’s, Sushi Kami: Restaurant Openings, Closings

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL - Check out the latest bar and restaurant news in the Sarasota and Bradenton area:

Sub Shop Owner Opens Sports Bar

The owner of Obee’s Soup, Salad, Subs in the Venice area has opened a family-friendly sports bar, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported.

Wings Etc. Grill & Pub in Venice is the first Florida franchise of the Indiana-based restaurant chain.
“We decided to take a step on the wild side; try something bigger,” Obee’s owner, Tim McGivern, said.

Bradenton Jamaican Restaurant Downsizing to Food Truck

Rodney’s Jamaica Grill at 420 67th Street W. in Bradenton closed its restaurant and downsized to a food truck starting Tuesday, the owners wrote in a social media post.

“For those that love our food, don’t worry, you will still be able to get it from our food truck via DoorDash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats (same phone number),” the owners wrote. “Our truck will be parked at our current restaurant location for the time being – if you want to pick it up or eat at our outdoor seating.”

They added, “Lastly, we appreciate all of the customers who helped make Rodney’s such a special community over the last years in Palmetto and West Bradenton and look forward to what this next chapter holds.”

Sarasota Bakery and Cafe Opens Second Location

OfKors Bakery at 1359 Main Street has opened its second location in downtown Sarasota.

The new spot, OfKors Cafe, opened less than a mile down the road at 1989 Main Street at the end of December, according to a social media post.

“On Dec. 26, we quietly opened our doors with a soft opening, and over the past [few] weeks we’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude,” the owners wrote in the post. “Thank you to every guest who stopped by, supported us, shared kind words, and continues to come back — it truly means the world to us. We’re still getting everything set up and putting the final touches in place as we prepare for our grand opening, but we already feel so lucky to see this space come to life.”

New Lakewood Ranch Restaurant Offers All-You-Can-Eat Sushi

A new Lakewood Ranch restaurant, which opened on Dec. 31, offers diners a prepared-to-order, all-you-can-eat menu, the Bradenton Herald reported.

Sushi Kami Endless Japanese Fusion is located at 5726 Ranch Lake Blvd., near State Road 70 E. and Interstate 75.

The owner, Nick Li, operates similar concepts in St. Petersburg and Wesley Chapel.

Johnny Tomatoes Opens Second Location

Johnny Tomatoes, a Venice pizzeria, has opened a second location in Sarasota County.

The new restaurant is at 5808 S. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, according to the company’s website.

Johnny Tomatoes, known for its foldable, thin-crust, New York-style pizza, has operated in Venice for more than 50 years.

Midwest Sandwich Shop Opens in Sarasota County

A new sandwich shop, Capriotti’s, is now open in Sarasota County on U.S. 41, just north of Stickney Point Road, the Business Observer reported.

The franchise owner, Jason Cooper, also owns the Capriotti’s location in Bradenton. He hopes to open five more in the area, including Lakewood Ranch, southern Pinellas County and Port Charlotte.

"We’re very scratch-kitchen for a sandwich shop," he said. "We prep all of our food products in-house. We make all of our dressings and sauces and stuffings."