Caragiulos Italian Restaurant to Open on Ringling Boulevard
The local Sarasota favorite will debut its new location on October 27, 2026, following a year-long hiatus.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant is set to open its new home on Ringling Boulevard on October 27, 2026. The new space marks a fresh chapter for the business after closing its original location in October 2025.
Why it matters
The move was necessitated after the property owner sold the original Palm Avenue site to Seaward Development for planned condominium towers. The transition preserves a decades-long local institution while relocating it to a new commercial hub in Sarasota.
The new 4,300-square-foot space features 150 seats, a full bar, and a covered patio area. Signature menu items include a $23 pasta dish and a $115 bone-in bistecca Fiorentina.
The players
Caragiulos Italian American Restaurant
This family-owned dining establishment has been a fixture of the Sarasota culinary scene since its founding in 1989.
Seaward Development
This real estate firm specializes in the acquisition and development of high-density residential properties in Florida.
The details
The restaurant maintains continuity by incorporating marble from the former Palm Avenue bar into the new establishment, alongside relocated Italian film posters and furniture. Longtime staff members are expected to return to their roles at the new Ringling Boulevard address.
Timeline
1989: The original restaurant opened at 69 S. Palm Avenue.
2023: The Mira Mar property was sold for $17.3 million.
October 2025: The Palm Avenue location closed its doors.
October 27, 2026: The new restaurant opens on Ringling Boulevard.
Market Landscape
The move reflects the ongoing redevelopment of historic Sarasota downtown commercial zones as developers prioritize residential density over long-standing retail spaces. This shift forces legacy businesses to adapt or relocate while changing the composition of the city's downtown corridor.
Patrons can expect the return of familiar menu items and a similar dining atmosphere at the new site. The relocation ensures that a longstanding local dining option remains accessible to the community despite the closure of the original landmark.
The takeaway
Legacy businesses often face significant logistical challenges when historic real estate is sold for modern residential redevelopment. By preserving original decor, this restaurant successfully maintains its brand identity during the transition to a new venue.
What happens next
The restaurant is scheduled to begin service for the public at its new location on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local business activity in the Sarasota Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sarasota Magazine.
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