Dessert business opening in Sarasota County

A new eatery specializing in crepes and sweet treats is opening soon in The Meadows community in Sarasota.

Darin Abdel is the owner of Crepetopia, which she says was inspired by her passion for desserts and the desire to deliver “something unique” to Sarasota. Abdel says she also wanted to create someplace that was both international and family-friendly. 

“Crepes felt like the perfect base since they can be enjoyed in so many creative ways,” Abdel says in an email to the Business Observer. On the menu are a variety of sweet crepes, such as strawberry nutella crepe, pistachio crepe and cinnamon toast crunch crepe. All are drizzled with either chocolate or Lotus butter, which is made from crushed Lotus Biscoff cookies.

In addition, the menu features waffles; banana splits; ice cream sandwiches; chocolate-dipped strawberries, bananas, marshmallows and cream puffs; Dubai desserts; and milkshakes, among other items.

“The Dubai-inspired section of the menu reflects my Middle Eastern roots and travels,” Abdel says. “It features flavors like pistachio, Lotus, Kataifi and chocolate-stuffed cookies — desserts you’d typically find in Dubai cafés, but with our own twist.” (Kataifi is phyllo dough.)

Crepetopia is at 4921 Ringwood Meadow in The Meadows. The shop is about 2,500 square feet, with 24 seats inside and 20 outside. Scenic water views, walkability and proximity to UTC drove Abdel to choose the location. 

Says Abdel: “It really felt like the right community to grow something special.”

Crepetopia’s grand opening is set for Sept. 20, with a soft opening starting Sept. 15.