At Raining Berries, convenience doesn’t mean cutting corners. The bright, airy café in Southside Village blends the efficiency of a modern coffee shop with the freshness and care of a sit-down meal. Born in Florida and now part of Sarasota’s café landscape, Raining Berries has built its reputation on a simple idea: that quick can still be crafted.

“Everybody’s doing avocado toast. It’s an industry thing,” explains Bhimal Bhojani, Raining Berries founder, CEO and COO. “But our avocados are fresh: they’re not a pulp that’s frozen.”

The menu at Raining Berries is packed with light, flavorful food made with real ingredients. Smoothies and acai bowls offer tropical flavors, while savory sandwiches, bagels and egg bites are sure to satiate you. Get a pick-me-up from tangy kombucha or rich, ethically-sourced coffee drinks. And if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, gelato is a healthier alternative to ice cream that still feels like a decadent indulgence.

The atmosphere at Raining Berries is as fresh and vibrant as the food, with its cheerful color scheme and slick, social-media friendly decor. It’s the kind of place that feels equally suited to a post-workout refuel or an afternoon meeting — a third space that reflects Sarasota’s own blend of wellness, creativity, and community. The service moves quickly, but the atmosphere invites you to stay. Soft lighting, natural textures, and an open layout create an easygoing space where work meetings, study sessions, and casual catch-ups all feel at home.

“It’s a good gathering place,” Bhojani says. “It’s a cool place to meet for coffee. It’s a great date spot because in some sense it’s unexpected.”

1935 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, 941-365-6948, rainingberries.com.

Pictured: The avocado toast at Raining Berries is vibrant and tasty, thanks to its use of fresh ingredients. Provided photo.

Taste of Spain will reopen this Thursday, November 6. I want to thank everyone for your kindness, messages, and support — it has meant so much to me and my family. Your encouragement gives me strength to keep going and continue doing what I love. As a small local business, your support now truly makes a difference. Every visit, order, and kind word helps keep the spirit of Taste of Spain alive in our community. There are still openings for holiday catering. Bring the flavors of Spain to your celebrations with paellas, tapas, and desserts. 

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Time is running out to enjoy Olives to Oysters, the limited-time Mediterranean-inspired menu at Anna Maria Oyster Bar. Shaped by Eleni’s family traditions from Demetrios Pizza House and Kefi Streetside Café, this special menu blends bold coastal flavors from Café on St. Armands with the Five Star Fun guests love at AMOB. Available until Thanksgiving 2025  at all Anna Maria Oyster Bar locations  Olives to Oysters brings together the flavors and creativity of the Oysters Rock Hospitality family of restaurants. Guests have embraced this fresh culinary experience, and the final weeks offer one more chance to explore unique Mediterranean dishes while enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes AMOB a community favorite.  

The Palmetto Marriott invites guests and local residents to gather around the table for a Thanksgiving celebration like no other. On Thursday, November 27, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, The Social at Palmetto Marriott will host an elevated Thanksgiving Day Buffet, featuring chef-inspired holiday classics, seasonal favorites, and indulgent desserts designed to bring family and friends together in a festive setting. Reservations are required and expected to fill quickly. Guests may call 941-304-3456 and leave their name, phone number, and preferred reservation time to secure their table. 

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Ocean Prime Sarasota, the nationally acclaimed seafood and steakhouse known for its exceptional seafood, steaks, and hospitality, is introducing an all-new Weekend Brunch beginning Saturday, November 8. Previously reserved for special holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day, Ocean Prime is now extending its signature dining experience to weekend brunch lovers. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., guests can savor an elevated take on classic brunch favorites in the sophisticated setting of The Quay Sarasota, complete with handcrafted cocktails, decadent dishes, and the warm, genuine hospitality that defines Ocean Prime. Reservations are recommended and can be made by visiting www.ocean-prime.com or calling the restaurant directly. 

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Join Us on November 28 in Downtown Sarasota! This Black Friday, skip the lines and the chaos, and head to the heart of the city for a day of shopping, dining, and celebrating local! Downtown Sarasota is your destination for unique gifts, delicious eats, and festive holiday cheer. To make the day even sweeter, on-street parking enforcement will be waived throughout downtown on Black Friday, giving you more time to explore, shop, and enjoy without the worry. Whether you’re checking off your gift list, treating yourself, or spending the day with friends and family, Downtown Sarasota is the place to be. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, discover something new, and celebrate the businesses that make our community thrive. Follow the Downtown Improvement District on social media for more merchant highlights and special promotions leading up to the big day, and make this holiday season one to remember right here in the heart of Sarasota. 

‘Tis the season to celebrate! University Town Center (UTC) will officially unwrap the holiday season on Saturday, November 8 with Santa’s Grand Arrival Parade and after-party concert with We The Kings. The festivities begin at 5:45 p.m. with a heartfelt tribute to veterans hosted by Ty McFarland, former Captain in the Army National Guard and beloved Master of Ceremonies for Wonderland Circus at UTC. The parade prelude will shine the spotlight on Goodwill Manasota, whose Veterans Services Program helps returning veterans re-acclimate to civilian life and connects them and their families with employment and support services. At 6:00 p.m., the merry celebration soars with a crisscross skywalk and tree lighting by renowned aerialists Nik and Lijana Wallenda. After the lighting of UTC’s 50-foot tree and the season’s first light show, the holiday parade gets underway hosted by 107.9 WSRZ’s Jones and Company. For more details and the full schedule of events, visit utcsarasota.com/holidays 

Shumaker Partner Patrick Duggan has been appointed to the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) Board of Directors, continuing the firm’s long history of involvement in the organization and emphasizing his dedication to the growth and prosperity of this region. Comprised of a dynamic group of community leaders, the GSSC Board of Directors champions the Chamber’s mission to achieve a diverse, balanced economy that enhances the quality of living and working in greater Sarasota. Board members work together to drive innovation and foster community growth by advising on programs that respond fully to the demands of Sarasota’s evolving business climate. At Shumaker, Patrick also serves as the firm’s Public Industry Sector Co-Chair. He focuses his practice on management-side employment law and litigation, defending both private sector and governmental clients in a variety of complex workplace concerns and disputes. He has a long history of representing Florida governmental and public entities, including law enforcement, fire and rescue, and public schools—underscoring his dedication to serving this community in both his professional and personal endeavors. 

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