The 1818 Grill Will Close in Sarasota

The Southside Village restaurant will shut its doors on September 26, 2026, as the property changes ownership.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Dining Out

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The 1818 Grill, located at 1818 S. Osprey Ave. in Sarasota, will permanently close following its final day of business on September 26, 2026. The property will be absorbed by the adjacent Legends Sports Pub.

Why it matters

The owner cited a challenging off-season and rising costs for essential supplies like gas, produce, cooking oil, and beef as primary drivers for the closure. The transition marks a notable shift in the local Southside Village dining landscape.

The restaurant at 1818 S. Osprey Ave. is set to vacate its space after owner Tommy Lovell took over the venue in 2024. Current pricing for signature items like the prime rib has reached $50, rising from a historical range of $37 to $40.

The players

The 1818 Grill

This restaurant is a Southside Village establishment located at 1818 S. Osprey Ave. that is currently concluding its operations.

Legends Sports Pub

Owned by the Siciliano family, this pub is located at 1816 S. Osprey Ave. and is preparing to expand into the neighboring property.

Tommy Lovell

He is the current proprietor of the 1818 Grill who will soon serve as general manager and sommelier for Alma de España.

Alma de España

This local dining establishment is preparing to move its operations from its current site to a new location on S. Links Ave.

The details

The Siciliano family, owners of the neighboring Legends Sports Pub at 1816 S. Osprey Ave., purchased the property to facilitate an expansion into a full bar and restaurant concept. Meanwhile, Tommy Lovell will transition to a new role as general manager and sommelier for Alma de España, which is slated to relocate to 239 S. Links Ave. in early November 2026.

The original tavern on the site opened in 2002.
Tommy Lovell assumed control of the 1818 Grill space in 2024.
The 1818 Grill will hold its final day of business on September 26, 2026.
Alma de España is scheduled to reopen in its new downtown location in early November 2026.

Culture Shift

This closure reflects the broader struggle of independent dining establishments facing the post-pandemic inflationary pressure on restaurant supply chain inputs. Such shifts highlight a trend where rising overhead costs in the hospitality sector are leading to increased consolidation among smaller local brands.

Residents and regular patrons of the Southside Village area will see the 1818 Grill close its doors permanently at the end of September. The subsequent expansion of Legends Sports Pub will eventually provide diners with a new full-service menu and bar experience at the same location.

The takeaway

Rising operational costs for essentials like produce and beef continue to challenge the sustainability of independent restaurants in competitive markets. For local diners, this transition underscores the importance of supporting neighborhood eateries during periods of economic fluctuation.