Share and Follow
In Sarasota, Florida, a collection of historic cottages located along Fruitville Road near the city’s downtown area faces the prospect of demolition. These vibrant structures currently accommodate various small businesses, including a beloved breakfast eatery, a spa, and several lunch spots.
The 3.4-acre site, consisting of 22 parcels, is currently under contract. A developer plans to clear the area to pave the way for a 324-unit apartment complex.
Bristol Development Group shared their thoughts on the project, stating:
“We at Bristol Development Group are thrilled about the potential project on Fruitville Road. For 26 years, we have developed top-tier apartment communities throughout the Southeast, including several in Florida. We’ve long been interested in the Sarasota market and are thankful for the chance to collaborate with the property owners to establish a dynamic multi-family community here. This development will include essential workforce and affordable housing units. Currently, we are proceeding with the purchase of the property, and our design and legal teams are rigorously following the appropriate steps for development in Sarasota. We anticipate receiving necessary approvals throughout 2026 and aim to start construction in early 2027. We will keep everyone updated as we move forward.”
Among the enterprises that could be affected by this development is The Breakfast House, a local favorite that has been serving the community for 16 years.
“When I was 12 years old in 2008, my mom was driving on Fruitville Road and she passed this little dilapidated bungalow, and she is an interior designer, so she immediately went, ‘Oh my gosh, what if I made that a cute little restaurant.’ We thought she was nuts, but here we are today, 16 years later, and it is still The Breakfast House,” said Jazz Wingard.
The Breakfast House is a staple that brings in visitors and locals alike. Inside the yellow bungalow, you’ll find colorful tables, a home-like atmosphere and plates loaded with Wingard’s great grandmother’s pancakes and corned beef hash.
“I’ve been here since I was 12 years old. My sister is here, my brother-in-law is here, my actual brother is here, my mom is still here. This house, this building, this restaurant has been the one constant thing in my life, my entire life. This is the one constant in it, and it is really sad to think that it is going to be gone someday,” Wingard said.
She said learning of the new development was a surprise in the last few weeks, but her family knew this day was coming.
“Initially, it was about 17 years ago when my mom first approached the landlord about moving into this building and turning it into a restaurant. He told her that this was not his plan. Sixteen years ago, he let her know immediately he wanted to put a development in here. He did not have a vision for small restaurants. By sheer luck, we are still here 16 years later,” Wingard said.
As the applicant works to get approvals for the development to move forward, Wingard said they will continue on with business as usual. When the time comes, they said, they will find a new location.
“Every single day, we are getting people flooding in, asking us what is going on. They are calling us on the phone asking if we are still open. We are still here. We have another year on the lease, potentially a second year if development has not started yet,” said the restaurant’s manager.
The cottages have a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Some are said to have housed circus performers during the Ringling era. With that said, locals hope to see the history preserved.
“We love this place. It is charming and it is just something very different,” said resident Joyce Sambursky.
“This place has a charm that they need to keep,” said resident Steve Maimon.
“Expecting demolition applications, our Historic Preservation Senior Planner notified the applicant’s attorney that the city continues to encourage the applicant to try to relocate any properties that can be salvaged and preserve any salvageable historic elements,” said a city spokesperson.