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!”

In the new year, Caragiulos will reopen at its new location at 1833 Ringling Blvd., which is currently under construction. The plan is to welcome patrons to the 4,300-square-foot space there, between Osprey and Links avenues, in January.

Caragiulos was founded in 1989 as a family-owned restaurant, and its portfolio has grown since then; the Caragiulo family founded Owen's Fish Camp in 2010 in Sarasota, which added a Lakewood Ranch location in 2023.

To recognize “the community that has made Caragiulos a Sarasota tradition for nearly four decades,” the business held a collectibles raffle during what was intended to be the final weekend at its Palm Avenue location with artwork, tabletops, gift baskets, opening weekend dining tickets and other items among the prizes.

This article was updated to reflect that Caragiulos will remain open for several weeks beyond Oct. 26.