Italian restaurant in Sarasota closing until new spot opens in 2026

A longtime Italian-American restaurant will soon close in downtown Sarasota, before relocating in 2026. Caragiulos planned to celebrate its last day at 69 S. Palm Ave. on Oct. 26, but then there was a change of plans: The business posted on social media and its website Oct. 27 that "due to some unforeseen delays at our new location" on Ringling Boulevard, "Caragiulos on Palm Avenue will be able to remain open for several more weeks."

The Palm Avenue building where Caragiulos is located, Mira Mar, was acquired by Seaward Development for $17 million in 2023. In July, the owners of the more-than 100-year-old Mira Mar won zoning approval to build two 18-story condominium towers behind the building. Revenue from that project will go toward rehabilitating and restoring the historic portion of the existing Mira Mar property, built in 1922, that occupies 400 feet of Palm Avenue frontage, including retail, restaurant and office space.

“It is bittersweet, but we are excited for this next chapter!” Caragiulos wrote on its Facebook page, replying to a comment about changes downtown. ”Here's to a new chapter and another few decades!”