Champagne Bar, Bar Italia, Jaxx Wing Co., Cafe In The Park: Restaurant

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Check out the latest restaurant and bar news in Sarasota and Manatee counties:

Artisanal Bakery, Chocolate Shop Reopens in New Location

Norman Love Confections, which specializes in chocolate and artisanal baked goods, has reopened in a new location within the University Town Center area, according to SRQ Magazine.

The shop is now located in The Shoppers at UTC, 8109 Cooper Creek Blvd., next to Trader Joe’s. It held its grand reopening on April 1.

Cafe in the Park Closing After 10 Years in Business

Cafe in the Park, which has operated at downtown Sarasota’s Payne Park for the past decade, will close permanently April 26.

“While this will come as a surprise to our countless café friends, supporters and community, this is indeed a happy ending to a very happy 10-year run for the café,” the owners wrote in a Facebook post. “We have adventures ahead and while hearts will be heavy, we are looking forward with joy and anticipation to the future.”

The cafe, which has also long served as a music venue, will host its final concert, featuring Dean Johanesen, on Friday.

Champagne Bar and Piano Lounge Opening in Downtown Sarasota

Sugar Champagne Bar, a champagne bar and piano lounge, will open in downtown Sarasota at 127 S. Pineapple Ave., according to the Observer Media Group.

The $4 million project could open by the end of the year.

“Sarasota is known for elegance and excitement, for the arts and fine dining, and Sugar Champagne Bar is a singular collection of those experiences,” owner Ronnie Shugar said. “Stepping inside you’ll know, at first breath, you’re entering a place like none other. As you’re surrounded by pink and Champagne, you’ll find there’s a new discovery with every single step.”

Palmetto Sports Bar Expands into Downtown Bradenton

Jaxx Sport Bar & Grill in Palmetto is expanding into downtown Bradenton with a new chicken-focused restaurant, the Bradenton Herald reported.

Jaxx Wing Co. is opening on Old Main Street in the former home of Señor Fajitas Mexican restaurant later this year.

Mayor Gene Brown pitched the idea to Jaxx’s owner Joshua Hatch, suggesting he bring a fast-casual concept downtown.

New Restaurants Coming to Center Point

New restaurants and other retailers have been announced for Center Point, which is located in Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place district.

Chamberlin’s Natural Foods will open this spring, according to the Observer Media Group.

New anchor restaurants, Bar Italia and 131 Main, have also been announced and will join Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Owen's Fish Camp.

Bar Italia will open this summer, while 131 Main hopes to open by the first quarter of 2025.
Tommy Bahama’s Marlin Bar and retail store is expected to open its doors by this fall.