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Sarasota Springs, FL · Lifestyle

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.8K followers

'World famous' Sarasota restaurant plans to reopen with original owner

A Sarasota restaurant that touted itself as "world famous " thanks in large part to a national television spotlight, before closing last year after more than two decades in business, plans to reopen under its original owner. J.D. Chester told the Herald-Tribune that he intends to reopen Munchies 420 Cafe, at 6639 Superior Ave. in Sarasota's Gulf Gate neighborhood, around the end of November or start of December. Munchies opened in 2002, with the idea coming from Chester after he wrapped up a night of drinking and couldn't find a restaurant in Sarasota that stayed open in the late hours, according to a 2017 Herald-Tribune story for the restaurant's 15th anniversary. Downtown Sarasota restaurant closes as neighborhood transforms Ticket Newsletter: Sign up to receive restaurant news and reviews plus info on things to do every Friday Munchies featured a menu of fatty and fried food that would be enticing especially, but not exclusively, to the inebriated, and late-night hours. Its greatest exposure came from a 2009 Sarasota-set episode of Travel Channel's "Man v. Food" that also featured The Old Salty Dog and Yoder's. Chester later sold Munchies to new owners , and the restaurant closed last year , citing the

Sarasota, FL · 1d

tbbwmag.com

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Charley’s opening 14,000-square-foot steakhouse in affluent Lakewood Ranch

Charley’s Steak House is opening a 14,000-square-foot restaurant in Lakewood Ranch, its first in the Sarasota-Manatee market and fourth Florida location for the family-owned chain, which currently operates in Tampa, Orlando and Celebration, according to newly filed development documents. The restaurant is proposed for 6120 Exchange Way, just east...

Lakewood Ranch, FL · 2d

Florida Today

partner publisher · 41.5K followers

Trader Joe's opening new Florida store Nov. 5, more coming in 2027

Attention shoppers ! Florida's newest Trader Joe's is opening Nov. 5 in Orlando. It's one of dozens of locations nationwide that the quirky grocer is opening at the end of 2026, but it's not the only Florida location on its way. A Sarasota location will open by the end of 2026, according to company spokesperson Nakia Rohde, and more are planned for 2027. "Next year, we plan to add new Trader Joe’s in Boynton Beach, Orlando, Kissimmee, Maitland, Central Naples, and Vero Beach," Rohde said. "We are actively looking at hundreds of neighborhoods across the country as we hope to open more new neighborhood stores each year." Shop Trader Joe's with Instacart Trader Joe's recently opened locations in West Palm Beach in June, in Melbourne last December, and Daytona Beach a year ago. The popular California-based grocery chain, known for its private-label " unique and interesting products ," along with seasonal favorites and its highly sought-after totes, invited customers to join "Captain Randy and Crew" for the 8 a.m. opening. Trader Joe's prides itself on "low prices, every day" with no loyalty programs or membership cards. Here's what to know. Where is the new Florida Trader Joe's? .oembed-frame { width:

Orlando, FL · 2d

Viva la Vida

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A Taste of Tradition and Fusion: Sarasota's New Cuban-American Dining Gem

In the culinary landscape of Sarasota, a new establishment is poised to make its mark. Viva La Vida, the brainchild of Traci and Alejandro Lazo opened its doors on December 15, 2025, bringing with it a rich tapestry of Cuban culinary traditions infused with American influences. Located on Clark Road, this family-run restaurant doesn't just serve food; it offers an authentic experience that captures the essence of Cuba while embracing the melting pot nature of American cuisine.

Sarasota, FL · 5d

Herald-Tribune

partner publisher · 37.8K followers

Legendary steakhouse near Sarasota makes OpenTable's Top 100

One of Florida’s most famous steakhouses, and a longtime dining destination for Sarasota-area food lovers willing to make the drive north, has earned another national honor. Bern’s Steak House in Tampa is one of just two Florida restaurants to make OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2026. The annual list, released Wednesday, Nov. 4, spans 21 states and Washington, D.C. The recognition comes less than a year after USA TODAY, a sister publication of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, named Bern’s Steak House one of the "Best steakhouses in America" on its 2025 list of 20 beloved local spots worth a road trip. Open since 1956, Bern’s Steak House has attracted everyone from mafiosos to at least one sitting U.S. president, all while building its reputation on hand-trimmed, in-house-aged beef and a renowned wine collection. Its famously over-the-top décor has even been likened to “Dracula’s bordello.” For the uninitiated, a meal at Bern’s Steak House is much more than ordering a steak. Must-try menu items include the Delmonico steak or bone-in tenderloin and French onion soup au gratin. After dinner downstairs, guests can head upstairs to the cozy Harry Waugh Dessert Room for classics such as Bananas Foster or Baked Alaska,

Sarasota, FL · 3d

Mysuncoast.com

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Der Dutchman Thanksgiving Menu

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Today in our kitchen General Manager Manuel Aguilar and Meredith Stutzman PR & Marketing Specialist with Der Dutchman joined us with a preview of their Thanksgiving Menu options. The Thanksgiving Carryout: Family Feasts & Pie orders are open online now through November 21. You can pick-up...

Sarasota, FL · 2d

fastfoodclub.com

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How Did Three Thousand Vendors End Up At Red Barn Flea Market In Bradenton Every Weekend?

Every Friday morning in Bradenton, a big red building wakes up after four quiet days. By nine o’clock, booths are open, carts are rolling, and shoppers are hunting for things they did not know they needed. Fishing reels, crystals, leather belts, parakeets, fresh produce, and even golf carts all...

Bradenton, FL · 7h

uncoveringflorida.com

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Authentic New Jersey Bagels Are Hiding at This Unassuming Florida Shop

Pork roll on a bagel, served in Florida. That one menu detail alone tells you this shop knows exactly who it’s cooking for. The signs inside are shaped like New Jersey license plates. A window lets you watch bagels getting boiled before they bake. I like how the whole place feels built by someone who missed home and decided to fix it.

Florida, NY · 2d

gulfcoastnewsnow.com

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Peace River flooding forces about 100 animals out of wildlife park in Arcadia

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. — Flooding from the Peace River has submerged Jungle Doria's Wildlife Park in Arcadia, forcing the evacuation of about 100 animals and leaving the park closed until further notice. "This is the pathway," a park representative said, pointing to a walkway now completely underwater. "Here to...

Arcadia, FL · 1d

SuncoastPost

publisher · 4.3K followers

The Best Waterfront Restaurant in South Florida May Be in Cortez

Fresh seafood, Sarasota Bay sunsets, live music and the character of a working fishing village make Swordfish Grill and Tiki Bar a destination worth crossing the coast for. Calling any restaurant the best is an invitation to debate. South Florida has glittering hotel dining rooms, celebrity chefs and waterfront tables stretching from Tampa Bay to the Keys. But the restaurants people remember most are not always the most polished. They are the places where the setting, food and sense of place come together so naturally that dinner feels like a Florida experience rather than simply a meal.

Cortez, FL · 1d

sarasotamagazine.com

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A Sarasota Couple Built a Modern Home Around Art, Memory and a Curious Neighborhood Landmark

The horse’s head appears to float above a feathery mass of native grass, mysteriously gazing out over Hillview Street. That wasn’t always the effect. When a Michigan couple bought the property in 2021, the sculpted head stood conspicuously on a post. One of the new homeowners, having grown up around horses, objected—not to the horse, but to “a head on a stake, or any head on a stake, for that matter.”

Sarasota, FL · 3d

WINKNEWS.com

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20 animals rescued from rising floodwaters in Arcadia

ARCADIA, Fla. (WINK) — A dramatic rescue in flood-stricken Arcadia saved 20 animals from rising water Tuesday, including 16 cows, three goats and a donkey. The animals' owners were across the state when they called a cattle day worker to help rescue their livestock as flooding threatened the property.

Arcadia, FL · 1d

thebradentontimes.com

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Inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot Bridge Run

This Thanksgiving morning, local families and runners are coming together for a brand-new holiday tradition with a purpose: the Inaugural Manatee River Turkey Trot Bridge Run, hosted by the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa and Fit2Run. This is our newest race – our 4500-registrant Florida Turkey Trot at Nathan Benderson Park sells-out each year prior to the event.

Palmetto, FL · 2d

fox13news.com

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Controlled Chaos: A Sarasota Artist’s Masterclass in Smoke

Rob Tarbell’s technique—often referred to as pyrofine art or "smoke drawings"—involves using the carbon residue and soot from burning materials to create intricate, photorealistic imagery. Fox 13 photojournalist Barry Wong shows us this unique artwork.

Sarasota, FL · 1d

gulfshorebusiness.com

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Fishermen’s Village restaurant wins waterfront seating

The Islands Kitchen & Cocktail House will soon have raised outdoor seating 10 feet from the water after its owners were granted a variance by Punta Gorda City Council on Oct. 28. The restaurant’s company, PGFL Associates LLC, is owned by a local team consisting of managing partner Kurt Brown;...

Punta Gorda, FL · 5d

Bay News 9

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Residents vocal about latest Venice Airport master plan

VENICE, Fla. — Susan Lang lives just a few blocks away from the Venice Municipal Airport. "This airport is not a commercial airport," she said. Not a day goes by that she doesn't hear planes go over her house. "They have the jets parked right across the road from...

Venice, FL · 1d

thebradentontimes.com

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Rye Preserve camping goes online

Ready to spend a night under the stars? Camping at Rye Preserve returns this Friday, November 6! Enjoy a peaceful weekend surrounded by nature, with camping available every Friday and Saturday night through April 2027. This season, reservations must now be made online. In-person, cash, and same-day reservations will no...

Bradenton, FL · 1d

englewoodreview.com

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Sneak Peek: Inside the All-New Englewood Publix at Merchant’s Crossing (Store #2091)

SNEAK PEEK: Englewood’s new Publix is officially here! 🛒✨. We got an inside look at the brand-new Publix Store #2091 at Merchant’s Crossing (1500 Placida Rd) before the grand opening crowd rolls in!. After serving the community for 33 years, the old location was torn down and...

Englewood, FL · 2d

sarasotamagazine.com

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More Than a Restaurant: Arts & Central Brings Food, Art and Community Together in Sarasota

Seeing a show? Join us for an exclusive dining offer!. Bring your ticket confirmation (dated within the past 10 days or for an upcoming 2026-2027 season show) & receive:. In a city known for its vibrant arts scene and growing culinary landscape, Arts & Central is bringing something different to the table. Blending creative cuisine, local art, live music and a welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant has become a place where food and community come together.

Sarasota, FL · 1d