Sadly, Another Restaurant Closes in Sarasota
Nicky’s on Palm, a well-known downtown Sarasota restaurant, bar, and music venue, has made the difficult decision to permanently close its doors. The closure was confirmed through a statement released on the restaurant’s website and Facebook page. The statement cited various economic challenges, such as rising costs and limited availability of their featured items, as significant factors in the closure. Additionally, the restaurant expressed the difficulty they faced in finding staff to continue their operations.
“We are filled with sadness as we announce the closure of our beloved establishment, Nicky’s on Palm,” the statement expressed. “Throughout our years of operation, we witnessed a transformation from a humble breakfast and lunch spot to a vibrant dinner location, complemented by cocktails and top-notch live music.”
Nicky Van Gurp, the proprietor of Nicky’s on Palm, had previously co-owned Divino Restaurant on Main Street for over a decade. In 2018, he embarked on a new venture on Palm Avenue, initially known as Nicky’s Bistro. Taking over the former As Good As It Gets gourmet food store, Nicky’s Bistro delighted patrons with their breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, showcasing international dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Quiches with mozzarella and mushrooms, croque madame, and wiener schnitzel were among the culinary delights on offer.
Over time, Nicky’s on Palm shifted its focus primarily to dinner hours and live music performances. The establishment became a hub for various musical acts, including the renowned Al Fuller’s Famous Blues Jam, previously hosted at Sarasota’s Five O’Clock Club and The Blue Rooster, both of which had closed down. Other notable performers at Nicky’s included Brenda Watty with AJ Cohen, DJ Nando, and Sammy J & the Saxman.
Earlier this year, before the permanent closure, Nicky’s on Palm faced temporary closure due to health code violations, including the presence of live roaches in the premises and an expired license from the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, as documented in the restaurant inspection records. The establishment had also faced temporary closure the previous year when live roaches were discovered in significant numbers.
Sadly, Nicky’s on Palm joins the growing list of Sarasota restaurants that have closed their doors this year. Among them are Oasis Restaurant & Bar in the Rosemary District, Reef Cakes in Southside Village (which has now been replaced by Osteria Southside), L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in the Sarasota Crossings shopping plaza (now home to Royal Peacock Indian Kitchen), and Wings-N-Weenies, located just a few doors down from L&L.
Photo from Deposit Photos