What’s your favorite ramen place in Sarasota? Yeah. That’s right. I can’t think of one either. Sarasota still hasn’t caught up to the ramen trend yet. Hell, we’re still focused on the artisan burger trend. (And really, artisan burgers were so 2010 in the larger metros.) But that’s besides the point. Lucky’s Market — the organic-focused … MORE>>

Sometimes, smaller is better. That’s what Solomon Shenker says as he enthuses about reopening his Sol’s NYC Delicatessen inside the Il Panificio location at 6644 Gateway Ave. that serves as a landmark entrance to the vibrant Gulf Gate dining and entertainment district. Nick Melone, whose family owns and operates Il Panificio, has removed the cappuccino … MORE>>

Alright Manatee County. Brace yourself for yet another Wawa. You’re about to get one more place to get your hoagies, your pretzels or your breakfast burritos. The convenience store chain is moving forward with a location on Cortez Road West just east of 26th St. W, according to commercial building permits filed Wednesday in Manatee County. … MORE>>

Boca Kitchen Bar & Market has been packed since it opened last year in downtown Sarasota. Now it’s sister is moving just around the corner. The farm-to-table restaurant’s parent company is bringing its seafood restaurant concept to downtown Sarasota. Commercial building permits filed with the city of Sarasota indicate $210,000 worth of construction for new … MORE>>

Wawa will open its second Venice store at 8 a.m. Feb. 9. The gas station and convenience store at 2970 Executive Drive, just south of the Interstate 75 and Jacaranda Boulevard interchange, will be the eighth Wawa to open in Southwest Florida. The Pennsylvania-based chain has expanded aggressively in Florida since it launched its first … MORE>>

Ken Smith, owner of Chefs2U Catering and Food Truck, has opened a restaurant in Gulf Gate Village (6584 Superior Avenue, 941-921-9070, chefs2u.menu). Chef Smith began his culinary career working for Budweiser in New Jersey, attending Florida Culinary Institute and subsequently holding chef positions at an Italian restaurant in Miami and with Mattison’s in Sarasota. “At the … MORE>>

Sarasota’s third Chipotle is almost here. But almost just got a little bit longer. The new Chipotle at the southeast corner of Fruitville Road and Honore Avenue has delayed its opening until later this month. The restaurant, which was expected to open this week, made the delay announcement in a sign on its door. The … MORE>>

Pollo Tropical is under construction at Fruitville Road and Honore Avenue. My Midwest roots and I really have no idea what that means. The Miami-based, fast casual Caribbean chicken chain has a strong presence in Florida — specifically at Florida State University in Tallahassee and the University of Florida in Gainesville. Fortunately my newsroom is … MORE>>

It has been a long, strange 2016 for Solomon Shenker. One of the top chefs in the area, Shenker opened Sol’s NYC Delicatessen in the former Applebee’s space of Main Plaza, next door to the Hollywood 20 movie theater, in February following a 2015 falling out with his former business partners – who happened to be … MORE>>

Have I got a sweet scoop for you. Actually, Tonya Fox does.     She’s the owner of Candytime! at 2067 Siesta Dr. across the street from Westfield Southgate. Fox and her candy boutique are putting the traditional box of candy to shame with her extensive collection of bouquets, wreaths, arches, buffets and candy cakes. … MORE>>