Central Florida

Mediterranean Dining Coming to Sarasota on November 8

Olive Eats will open near the Ringling College of Art and Design, offering fresh Mediterranean dishes made from scratch.

2801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 | Image from Google Earth Pro

SARASOTA, FL — Olive Eats is preparing to open at 2801 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34234 on November 8. Chef Emad Al-Masri told Business Debut the new concept will offer full-service Mediterranean dining in a relaxed, casual setting just steps from the Ringling College of Art and Design.

What to Expect

The 50-seat restaurant includes indoor and patio dining and features a comfortable, bright space designed for everyday meals and gatherings. Al-Masri described the restaurant as “casual but beautiful,” with table service and a focus on freshness.

Olive Eats will serve classic Mediterranean dishes such as falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, shawarma, stuffed grape leaves, and grilled kebabs made with chicken, lamb, and beef. Everything is prepared from scratch, including bread baked specially for the restaurant. Daily specials will rotate, and Al-Masri is considering adding a Friday lunch buffet to reflect Middle Eastern dining traditions.

“I make everything from scratch,” Al-Masri told Business Debut. “We use the highest-quality meats, all fresh and never canned, and even the desserts are made in-house. My goal is healthy food with authentic flavor.” He said Olive Eats will also offer catering for private events and weddings, drawing on his experience as an executive chef for hotels and banquet operations.

Experience and Roots

Al-Masri, originally from Ohio, brings decades of restaurant experience to Sarasota. Before moving to Florida, he owned and operated several restaurants across Ohio, including the fine-dining Buckley House in Marietta, which overlooked the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers.

Olive Eats marks his fourth restaurant and his first in Florida. He credits his wife, Betsy Hughes, as a key partner behind the business. “Betsy has always been my right hand,” he said. “She helps with all the advertising, paperwork, and organization—it’s a family effort.”

Al-Masri said he chose the Tamiami Trail location for its proximity to the college and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. “It’s a beautiful, active area with a lot of international students and people who appreciate fresh Mediterranean food,” he said.