Developing Sarasota dining club to buy neighboring property

A celebrity-backed private dining club in Sarasota that is opening in the months ahead is expanding while still under construction. 1000 North Sarasota is under contract to purchase a property adjacent to its location in the BLVD building, at the corner of Boulevard of the Arts and North Tamiami Trail.

“This expansion allows us to fully realize our vision of creating a destination that blends world-class dining, community and lifestyle at the highest level," 1000 North COO Alex Elshimy says in a statement.

The sale of the parcel, located between 1000 North Sarasota and the Modern Hotel, is expected to close in the next few days, Elshimy says in an email to the Business Observer.

"This was not originally planned, but rather something we pursued due to the strong demand we’ve seen from membership," Elshimy says via email. "The expansion will allow us to add approximately 10,500 square feet to the club, in addition to the existing 13,000 square feet. It will be used to enhance the overall experience, including additional club space, improved flow and arrival experience as well as valet and parking enhancements."

1000 North Sarasota is currently under construction. Sarasota-based developer Kevin Daves, whose portfolio includes The Concession Golf Club near Lakewood Ranch and The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, is behind the project.

The 1000 North Sarasota concept is a two-story, 13,000-square-foot club for members only that officials say is designed to create both exclusivity and connection. It will feature private dining rooms, a wine lounge, wine and liquor lockers for members and an upstairs lounge that will serve as the centerpiece.

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On the menu will be steaks, seafood and seasonal ingredients, complemented by sommelier-curated wine selections. Also among the culinary offerings will be tasting menus, a rotating celebrity chef program and classic tableside French cooking, according to a statement.

1000 North Sarasota will provide a “full-service hospitality platform,” the statement says, including valet service and a concierge team offering access to dining, cultural and travel experiences, from private aviation to yachts.

Initially, 1000 North Sarasota was projected to create nearly 40 jobs, a number that has now increased to 60 to 80 jobs expected to be generated by the club and its expansion, according to Elshimy.

“As we approach opening, the response from Sarasota has been extraordinary," Elshimy says in a statement, "with exceptionally strong demand for memberships." While he declines to disclose membership data, he says in the statement: "Membership is currently tracking ahead of initial projections.”

Membership is by invitation and costs $6,000 annually plus an undisclosed initiation fee, according to Elshimy.

The Sarasota club will be modeled after and is associated with 1000 North, a private dining club in Palm Beach County that has celebrity backing. Founding partners of 1000 North include former New York Giants player Tucker Frederickson, golf legend Ernie Els, basketball icon Michael Jordan, wine industry leader Bill Terlato and publisher of Wine Spectator Marvin Shanken.

The expansion of its physical footprint is the latest milestone for the club, which announced in October 2024 that it was coming to the Sarasota market and in May secured financing for the project from First Horizon Bank. 1000 North Sarasota will be at 520 N. Tamiami Trail. While a statement says the opening will be "in the coming months," a countdown ticker on the 1000 North Sarasota website shows it is 25 weeks away as of April 8, which falls a little more than five months from now, at the end of September.

This article has been updated to include additional comments from 1000 North COO Alex Elshimy.