Update: The restaurant has announced it will not reopen after Tuesday’s fire. Read the latest on its permanent closure.-----
A downtown Sarasota barbecue restaurant has permanently closed after a fire forced it to end operations days before its planned final service.
Brick’s Smoked Meats at 1528 State St. announced the closure in a social media post at 4:50 p.m. Oct. 6, following a fire that morning.
The restaurant said in its post that it had previously announced a final day of service of Saturday, Oct. 10, as it prepared for new ownership. The fire accelerated that timetable.
The Herald-Tribune had sought comment from the restaurant multiple times
before the post but had not received a response.
“Unfortunately, due to the fire, we are unable to continue operating and will not be reopening,” the restaurant wrote.
The announcement thanked customers for their support over the past nine and a half years.
“We are beyond grateful for the incredible support, loyalty and love from our community,” the post said. “It has been an honor to serve Sarasota.”
Sarasota County firefighters responded to the restaurant Tuesday morning. Sarasota police issued a traffic alert at 8:15 a.m., announcing that State Street was closed between Orange and Lemon avenues while crews worked the fire. No injuries were reported.
At about 10:45 a.m., a Herald-Tribune reporter observed firefighters entering and leaving the restaurant, which was cordoned off with yellow police tape. Sarasota police also were at the scene.
State Street remained closed to vehicle traffic at that time. The State Street parking garage remained open, but its State Street entrance and exit were closed.
Police announced at 3:04 p.m. that State Street had reopened between Orange and Lemon avenues.
The restaurant’s announcement did not provide details about the new ownership or plans for the space.
Wade Tatangelo is the executive editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida dining and entertainment editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Downtown Sarasota restaurant permanently closes after fire
