Downtown Sarasota restaurant with decades of history to temporarily close for renovations

Jimmy Geurts, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
Updated ·3 min read

A longtime staple of downtown Sarasota's dining scene, which has been under new ownership in recent years, will soon shut its doors for a fresh round of renovations.

Bijou Garden Cafe will temporarily close at the end of month for renovations that are expected to be completed in the fall, with April 27 the last day that Bijou will be open for business before the closure, said Realm Restaurant Group marketing coordinator Joey Panek.

Realm Restaurant Group also operates fellow downtown Sarasota restaurant Sage, which opened in the former Sarasota Times building on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2019, with Sage's Sharon Carole and Christopher Covelli assuming the restaurant and renovating it in 2021. Sage started serving food on its fourth-floor rooftop bar in November.

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The new round of renovations will include adding 750-800 square feet to the dining area and creating a space that could potentially be used as an outdoor courtyard between Bijou Garden Cafe and the Warren Building behind it, which Realm Restaurant Group's proprietors also own and plan to open another, to-be-determined restaurant concept within, Panek said. Bijou Garden Cafe's website also posted a statement attributed to Carole and Covelli on the renovations.

"In a time when rapid development often overlooks historical integrity, we are dedicated to a project that respects Sarasota's rich heritage and authentic charm," the statement read. "Our goal is to ensure that the countless family gatherings, celebrations and everyday moments of joy that have taken place within these walls can continue in a setting that reflects the evolving vibrancy and modern elegance of downtown Sarasota’s Arts and Theatre District. Our previous restoration work with Sage exemplifies our commitment to preserving the unique character of Sarasota's historic buildings, and we promise to bring the same care and respect to the future of Bijou and its surrounding district."

Downtown Sarasota restaurant Bijou Garden Cafe, serving dishes such as rack of lamb, will temporarily close for renovations.
Downtown Sarasota restaurant Bijou Garden Cafe, serving dishes such as rack of lamb, will temporarily close for renovations.

Bijou Garden Cafe (then known as just Bijou Cafe) had previously been operated since 1986 by chef Jean-Pierre "J.P." Knaggs and his family, with its past staff also including Steve Phelps, now chef/owner of the acclaimed Towles Court restaurant Indigenous. Bijou Cafe became popular with the arts crowd due to its proximity to venues such as Florida Studio Theatre and Sarasota Opera House. Some favorites from Bijou's previous menu, such as escargot Bourguignonne and Pommes Gratin Dauphinois remain, along with new additions.

Bijou Garden Cafe is at 1287 First St. in Sarasota.
Bijou Garden Cafe is at 1287 First St. in Sarasota.

Bijou Garden Cafe is at 1287 First St. and, until it closes for renovations, is open 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 941-366-8111 or visit bijougardencafe.com.

The hours for Sage, which will be open throughout Bijou Garden Cafe's renovations, are 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call 941-445-5660 or visit sagesrq.com.

Email entertainment reporter Jimmy Geurts at jimmy.geurts@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Downtown Sarasota restaurant Bijou Garden Cafe closing for renovations