From cult classics with a vast internet following like Shake Shack, to greasy and consistently good crowd pleasers like Five Guys, there are plenty of places to get a good quality cheeseburger in Sarasota.
But while many fast-casual burger places keep it simple and put the emphasis on serving a solid patty with fresh ingredients, the newest player in the local burger world seems to have a flair for the dramatic and over the top.
Burger Culture, a gourmet burger restaurant based in Tampa, is opening its first Sarasota location inside the Mall at University Town Center at Interstate 75 and University Parkway. The company plans to open an 1,800-square-foot restaurant on the mall s lower level next to Intimissimi and across from Bath & Body Works sometime in June.
But finding people has been a job itself.
She s posted help wanted ads for home health aides on Craigslist, Indeed and Facebook, promising $13 to $16 per hour and weekly paychecks. She s had several people send in resumes, and many of them have been impressive, but after the initial screening phone call, she said she gets repeatedly ghosted. My daughters play soccer, and it s gotten to the point where I go to the games and I ask all the parents, do you know anyone that needs a job? Gosline said. It s so hard - it s tough.
Nationwide labor shortage
The U.S. is experiencing a labor shortage, and it s trickled down to small businesses like Gosline s. The unemployment rate in Sarasota-Manatee hit 4.3% in April, according to the latest figures from the state of Florida released Friday, down slightly compared to March s rate of 4.4%. Local employers added 1,000 nonagricultural jobs from March to April.
Selva opening UTC location
A longtime downtown Sarasota dining and drinking destination is expanding its reach, joining the bustling University Town Center shopping district.
Selva Grill, the Main Street restaurant featuring an emphasis on Peruvian cuisine, is opening its second location at 67 N. Cattlemen Road, across from Target. The UTC location plans to open this week, said general manager Angelo Souflis.
Since moving to its current Main Street location in 2004 – formerly owned and founded by renowned chef Darwin Santa Maria, who now operates Darwin Peruvian Eatery – Selva has become a downtown Sarasota staple. It earned national press in 2007 when the New York Times included it in a Sarasota travel piece, calling it quite possibly the best food in town. Selva s expansion to UTC was announced in December 2019, but its opening was delayed amid the pandemic.