Popular Sarasota, Bradenton restaurant blames Benderson Development for closing locations

A popular local breakfast and lunch restaurant, with more than three decades of history and multiple locations in Sarasota and Manatee counties, has announced it will close two of its locations later this month.

Peach’s Restaurants issued a statement that it will be permanently closing its location at 3240 E. Bay Drive in Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island, as well as the restaurant at 2207 60th Ave. E. in Ellenton. Both Peach's locations will serve their final meals on Father’s Day, June 16.

Peach's informed the Herald-Tribune that the decision to close the two locations was made by the property owner, Benderson Development, which is based in the University Park area of Manatee County and bills itself as "one of the largest privately held real estate companies in America."

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Peach's closing two locations, blames Benderson for not renewing leases

The leases expire on June 30, Peach’s noted, and they will need time to transition their team and move their property during the last two weeks.

“We are a proud small business with dedicated teams and loyal guests," said Alison Thomas, president of Peach’s Restaurants, in a statement. "This decision was not ours to make, and it does not reflect the incredible dedication of our team at these locations. We are doing our best to relocate all 40 employees throughout our other six locations in Bradenton, Sarasota and Venice.”

Benderson Development, which notes on its website that the company's "portfolio has grown nationally to include over 50 million square feet in 40 states," did not respond to requests for comment.

Peach's notes that it has operated in Sarasota-Manatee since 1990

Peach's notes that it has operated in Sarasota-Manatee since 1990, with its Holmes Beach and Ellenton locations opening in 2001 and 2002, respectively. According to the email, these establishments "became a cherished gathering spot for locals and visitors alike."

“We hope the time before seeing your favorite server and having your favorite meal is short and we encourage our Holmes Beach and Ellenton guests to visit our other locations to see some familiar faces while meeting new ones,” said Jennifer Hester, CFO of Peach’s Restaurants, in a statement. “We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our guests for their unwavering support over the years. We will keep you all informed of where we find our new home!”

For more information on Peach’s Restaurants, visit peachs.net. For more information on Benderson Development, visit bendersondevelopment.com.

Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. He can be reached by email at [email protected]. Support local journalism by subscribing.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota, Bradenton restaurant blames Benderson for closing locations