Business | Sarasota | Your Observer

Sarasota | Business

James Peter
October 13, 2023

Rebranded cafe opens downtown, rolling out 50 new ice cream recipes

Rise Up Cafe challenges New Yorkers to put the Sarasota eatery’s bagels to the taste test.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
October 9, 2023

Payne Park nonprofit hires veteran fundraiser

Michael Ayres will lead the effort to raise capital and develop partnerships for the renovation and expansion of Payne Park Auditorium.

Sarasota
Business

Monica Roman Gagnier
September 26, 2023

New York-style deli finds new home in Sarasota's Rosemary District

Sol Shenker is executive chef at The Original Wolfie's, which opens in October in the Rosemary District.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
September 14, 2023

Ready for a real-life 'magic carpet' ride? Hop on an eFoil.

Learning to fly on a surfboard isn't easy, but the "unreal feeling" is worth it, Sarasota eFoil owners say.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Amanda Postma
September 2, 2023

Local businesses encouraged to take damage survey

The survey asks for both physical and economic damages caused by Hurricane Idalia.

Sarasota
Business

Petra Rivera
August 31, 2023

Businesses on St. Armands Circle clean up after Hurricane Idalia flooding

Shops on the Circle received little water damage from the storm and plan to reopen Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.

Longboat Key
Business

Petra Rivera
August 30, 2023

Cafe L'Europe builds on tradition for 50th anniversary

The St. Armands Circle restaurant has served the area for 50 years and trained many local restaurateurs.

Longboat Key
Business

Observer Staff
August 25, 2023

Selby Gardens names new director of archaeology

Uzi Baram has taught anthropology at New College for 25 years.

Sarasota
Business

Monica Roman Gagnier
August 24, 2023

New Sarasota County leaders meet the community

A panel discussion and members mixer was held at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key.

Sarasota
Business

Observer Staff
August 22, 2023

The Lighthouse names Alexandra Elman Foley as CEO

Previous CEO Lisa Howard will lead the vision-loss education nonprofit's first capital campaign in its history.

Sarasota
Business

Monica Roman Gagnier
August 18, 2023

Art Uptown Gallery to close after 43 years in Sarasota

Rising rents are forcing galleries out of downtown, but other artist spaces beckon.

Arts + Culture

Jay Heater
August 16, 2023

Health-conscious cafe Pura Vida coming to UTC in Sarasota

The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
August 10, 2023

Suncoast Black Arts Collaborative adds two new team members

Sharon Preston-Folta and Jaiden Johnson are joining the nonprofit.

Arts + Culture

Andrew Warfield
August 6, 2023

Selby Gardens promotes new COO from within

Crystal Bailey joined the organization in January as chief administrative officer and general counsel.

Sarasota
Business

Observer Staff
August 3, 2023

Sarasota's Sage Restaurant honored by Wine Spectator magazine

The restaurant won the 2023 Award of Excellence for its wine selection and service.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
August 2, 2023

Key Sailing wants to change the world one voyage at a time

The Sarasota sailing charter supports local charities while its owners offer a message of hope.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Observer Staff
July 26, 2023

Haitian botanist named Selby Gardens research associate

The three-year appointment will mutually benefit Selby Gardens' research and Caribbean flora.

Sarasota
Business

Ian Swaby
July 25, 2023

Vegan hot dog at Sarasota eatery ranked in nation's top 10

The vegan version of Doggystyle's Chicago Hot was ranked by PETA among the top 10 hot dogs in the U.S. for summer 2023.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
July 17, 2023

CareerEdge receives $125,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation

The workforce development program, led by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will use the funds to support workforce development initiatives.

Sarasota
News

Observer Staff
July 16, 2023

Gulf Coast Community Foundation elects leaders for 2024

The GCCF board named David Sessions chair and Anand Pallegar vice chair along with three new board members.

Sarasota
Business

Observer Staff
July 12, 2023

Daiquiri Deck giving away free daiquiris for a year

To celebrate National Daiquiri Day, each of the five restaurant locations will award one lucky winner free daiquiris for the year.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Observer Staff
July 11, 2023

Selby Gardens elects new leadership for 2024

The board of trustees also named one new member and reelected seven others to three-year terms.

Sarasota
Business

Ian Swaby
July 11, 2023

Barbie's Boutique began with a dream, grew into a one-stop shop for all

Founded to serve the local Latino community, the Sarasota boutique has expanded its clientele and recently opened an additional location.

Sarasota
Business

Amanda Postma
July 3, 2023

Fondue chain one-third of the way through $30 million renovation

The Melting Pot Sarasota wrapped its renovation around a new focus on the bar area.

Sarasota
Business

Observer Staff
July 1, 2023

Nine local companies win CareerEdge grants

The Greater Sarasota Chamber program awarded $205,000 to help advance careers of current employees.

Sarasota
Business

Andrew Warfield
June 30, 2023

Ocean Prime's upscale dining will be alongside retail, condos at The Quay

High-end seafood and steak restaurant Ocean Prime will feature marina views and two levels of dining at the Sarasota development.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
June 28, 2023

Sarasota boaters create watercraft management app

The YachtWave app is intended to be a one-stop shop for all needs related to boat care, maintenance and use.

Sarasota
Neighbors

Lauren Tronstad
June 27, 2023

Home health care agency continues 28 years of growth, success

Sarasota-based Take Care Home Health started with one office and four employees. It has grown into a multimillion-dollar business with multiple locations and nearly 400 employees.

Sarasota
Business

Andrew Warfield
June 27, 2023

Seafood, steak restaurant coming to The Quay

The centerpiece restaurant in The Quay is planned to open in late 2024.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Ian Swaby
June 25, 2023

2023 Small Business Awards reveal a caring community

The Sarasota Chamber of Commerce's awards highlighted area businesses that are positioned for continued success and have provided opportunities for the community.