A spritely Kelvi Kuqi may bring your table a wine list, extra aioli or a story to tell. The first should come as no surprise, since his family’s restaurant takes its name from the Greek god of wine and revelry. Today, he’s covering the floor solo, easy-peasy. “I’m mainly the front man,” he says. “In Germany, I was in the kitchen. I go where I’m needed.”

Djonisi's, nestled in a low-key plaza on Fruitville Road, welcomes you with chirpy Greek music and a citrus snap. Two years in, it already pulls a devoted crowd of 70% regulars. “People figure out what they like and keep coming back for it,” Kelvi says.“My dream table? Twenty people, where everyone orders something different and shares.” For groups, he points to Djonisi’s plate–an abundance of fire-blessed meats. The standout? Lamb chops, marinated till succulent and smoky.

His parents, Altin and Maria, who’ve cooked together for over 25 years, bustle in the kitchen. After leaving Athens, they ran a restaurant near Frankfurt with the same menu and approach. Their other son, Djonis, as co-owner and head chef, lends this rendition its name. From Altin’s plump bifteki to hand-rolled dolmades and verdant spanokopita, they craft almost everything onsite. The octopus arrives over a tumble of rucula, thinly sliced, tender and tangy.

Two items come from outside: pitta and gyro. Not for lack of trying. “The pork here isn’t the quality we want unless sourced from small farms,” Kelvi explains, “it’s too expensive to serve at cost.” Transformed in-house, the gyro becomes savory and more-ish.

Inside, blue-and-white decor evokes the Aegean, urns cascading with greenery and bougainvillea. The space is spotless, serene. Window tables catch the light while back booths offer communal ease. “It’s not a quick thing,” Kelvi says. “You come and sit down, order appetizers and a glass of wine. Guests stay two to three hours. We don’t tell them to. They just tend to, naturally.”

Kelvi considers their family’s work a calling. “Trying to fix someone’s personal life by giving them food is something I aspire to.” His eyes widen as the kitchen bell chimes. “If I can’t live that out in my career, then why work?” he calls, sprinting for the pass.

Later, retirees will lean over syrup-soaked baklava while families scoop up burnished moussaka. Djonisi’s defines Greek food as an inheritance. And about that revelry: they also do parties.

Djonisi's, Tues-Sun 11am-3pm; 5-19pm, 4940 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota.

Photo by Sarah Miano.

As part of its Centennial Season, Art Center Sarasota presents an expanded edition of its Annual Members Juried Show, on view January 22 through February 21, 2026. In recognition of the organization’s 100th anniversary, the exhibition spans all four gallery spaces, offering a celebratory reflection on a century of art and community in Sarasota. The Annual Members Juried Show showcases the wide-ranging talent of Art Center Sarasota’s member artists. Free of a unifying theme, the exhibition features work across painting, sculpture, fiber, collage, and mixed media, moving fluidly between abstraction and realism to capture the breadth of contemporary artistic practice. Central to the exhibition is its inclusive format: every Art Center Sarasota member who submits artwork is guaranteed inclusion. This approach underscores the organization’s long-standing commitment to accessibility and artistic equity, while creating a dynamic, multi-voiced exhibition experience.  

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Sarasota Orchestra has received a $75,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation in support of the Orchestra’s 2025-2026 season and its mission to engage, educate, and enrich the community through inspiring live musical experiences. This substantial funding from Barancik Foundation bolsters several of the Orchestra’s most impactful initiatives: the Pops series, the Saturday Great Escapes series, the annual Sarasota Orchestra Brunch benefitting music education, and the Gala celebrating the Orchestra’s first season under the baton of new music director Giancarlo Guerrero. To learn more about Sarasota Orchestra’s 2025-2026 season and programs, visit www.SarasotaOrchestra.org. 

Award-winning singer, actress, and producer Lisa McClowry, recently named Tribute Artist of the Year by the Josie Music Awards, is bringing her acclaimed Broadway-style Cher tribute show, The Beat Goes On, to Sarasota’s Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Sunday, February 1 at 7 p.m. Audiences can experience a dazzling celebration of six decades of the Goddess of Pop’s iconic music, fashion, and unforgettable stage presence. McClowry’s performance captures the full spirit of Cher, featuring eight costume changes, dynamic dialogue, interactive audience participation, video projections, and chart-topping hits spanning the 1960s to today, including I Got You Babe, Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, If I Could Turn Back Time, Believe, and more. Performed with a live band or tracks, the show brings Cher’s legendary performances to life on stage. 

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Happy New Year! Downtown Sarasota will kick off the year with energy and community spirit during Fresh Fridays New Year On The Block on January 9. This free event will take place this Friday, January 9, on Main Street from 7 to 10 p.m., bringing together live music from Mylon and The Pop-Ups, local vendors, and interactive games designed to welcome the new year in the heart of downtown. Fresh Fridays continues its tradition of transforming the city into a vibrant gathering space where creativity, culture, and connection take center stage. Guests can stay up to date by following Fresh Fridays on their social media channels or by visiting their website at www.downtownsarasotadid.com/fresh-fridays. 

ensembleNEWSRQ (enSRQ), Sarasota’s forward-looking contemporary chamber ensemble, continues its 10th anniversary season with “Goldbeater’s Skin,” a program that examines sound as a physical, resonant force—shaped by breath, motion, and touch. The concert is Monday, January 19, 7:30 p.m., at First Congregational Church, 1031 S. Euclid Ave., Sarasota. Single tickets are $30. For more information on ticket packages and student pricing, visit www.EnSRQ.org.  

The Sarasota Players invites audiences of all ages to start the new year with laughter, heart, and hope as the theater presents the timeless Broadway classic ANNIE, running January 7–18, 2026 at The Crossings at Siesta Key Mall. Bursting with energy, humor, and unforgettable songs, ANNIE tells the story of a determined young girl who believes that brighter days are always ahead. With the help of billionaire Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, his loyal staff, and a lovable dog named Sandy, Annie discovers that family can come from the most unexpected places. Featuring favorites like “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” this production promises heartfelt performances, and the kind of feel-good storytelling that makes live theatre unforgettable.

The Crossings at Siesta Key, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Jan. 7-18, 2026. 

Local music school Music Compound is celebrating a major milestone this month: its 10th anniversary. The business, which began as a college project for owner/President Jenny Townsend, has contributed in significant ways to its members, numerous community events and various area nonprofits. Music Compound will present its 10-Year Anniversary Celebration on January 30 at The Grove. The event is open to the public and tickets are on sale. 

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Setting wellness goals for 2026? Step into a new year with healthier habits, nourishing foods, and natural support for all of your goals. From losing weight to eating better, gaining more energy to sleeping better, Chamberlin’s Natural Foods has the natural products and the helpful, knowledgeable staff to help you start and keep your goals. Your path to wellness starts with one good choice, and Chamberlin’s is here to help on your journey, and to help you save big! Shop our Resolutions Sale, Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Chamberlin’s Natural Foods, located at 6574 University Pkwy in Center Point Plaza. Rewards Members will save 20% off storewide*! Not a Rewards Member? Sign up in store for this free program to take advantage of these and other exclusive savings. 

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Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful recruitment of Frank Bermudez as Business Development Manager for DEKS North America. In this newly created role, Frank will pioneer the Florida territory and build market presence by developing relationships and new customer partnerships. As an ambassador of this expanding brand, Frank will educate customers and end users on a wide range of innovative products, and establish strong standings with distributors, contractors, municipalities, and specifiers. 

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