Two Main Street restaurant buildings acquired for $8.5 million

Two popular downtown Sarasota restaurants now have a new landlord.

Sarasota family office Baird Inc. has acquired commercial properties at 1355 to 1373 Main St., home to Café Amici and El Melvin Cocina Mexicana. 

The buildings include 12,527 square feet and offer a blend of restaurant, retail and art gallery/studio spaces. This acquisition underscores Baird’s strategic commitment to investing in downtown real estate.

Both restaurants will remain in operation under the new ownership.  The Cafe Amici buildings were purchased for $4.5 million and the El Melvin building for $4 million.

“We are excited to invest in these distinguished properties at the heart of Sarasota,” said Baird Inc. CEO Eric Baird in a news release. “This acquisition reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering growth within the downtown community.”

According to the news release, the acquisition aligns with Baird’s vision of preserving and enhancing Sarasota’s downtown by revitalizing key commercial spaces.

In May 2023, Baird acquired the former Sarasota Kennel Club property from the Jack G. Collins Revocable Trust for $9.5 million. It has since demolished the buildings and cleared the site. No development for that property has been announced.