Beef ‘O’ Brady’s

In 1985, the first Beef ‘O’ Brady’s opened its doors as a family-centered sports bar.  The original creators wanted a relaxed atmosphere where people could pop in to watch a great game on one of the many televisions set up in the restaurant.  What has happened is many locals now choose Beef ‘O’ Brady’s as their celebratory haunt when they have just played a nine-inning scorcher and need a cool place to visit afterwards. By all accounts, both goals have been met, as Beef ‘O’ Brady’s is often the cornerstone restaurant, a fan favorite in any city they set up in.

What makes a great neighborhood restaurant even better?  For starters, the food must be on-point.  At Beef ‘O’ Brady’s an extensive menu catering to kids, parents, grands – – they have something for everyone pleases every palate.  The wings and burgers at “Beefo’s,” as they are often referred to, are just about as good as you can get.  With sauces spanning the heat index and drummies so tender you wonder how they were cooked, your mouth waters for that cool libation accompanying your wings.  The burgers with fat patties and fresh toppings satisfy even the hungriest in your bunch.  And, if you aren’t at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s on St. Patrick’s Day for their corned beef and cabbage, then you simply are not celebrating as you should.  The line out the door should signify the popularity of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, not just on the holidays, but every day.

Throughout Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, the Macri family own and operate several Beef ‘O’ Brady’s locations.  Catering to satisfied customers who have become friends is their specialty.  Their uncanny ability to hire the friendliest people throughout the Suncoast means as soon as you step foot into one of those Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, a happy “Hello” and “Be right with you” are soon to follow.  Their standards for quality foods and the cleanliest of environments have won them loyalty and praise from the communities they serve.  For the Macri family, setting the bar as high as possible has resulted in stellar reviews and return visits from their expansive network of Beef ‘O’ Brady fans.

As a thank you to their loyal fans, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s has launched its “Team Beef ‘O’ Brady’s.”   Anyone can join, and when they do, they will receive a free shareable starter with a value up to $8.  From fried mozzarella sticks to buffalo chicken dip, you can begin your meal on a happy note with this ongoing offer.  And, when the holidays roll around you can count on more great savings coming your way just for being a member of this special group.

When it comes to IBE, the leaders at Beef ‘O’ Brady’s demand the same consistent, professional service they deliver.  Over the years, their pairing with IBE has proven to be a financially savvy way to pay for expenses around the restaurants without dipping into reserves.  And, with IBE QR Certificates, the folks at Beefo’s can also check out and support the other restaurants within the IBE network.  They love working with like-minded groups with the same integrity, so IBE is a great match for the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s restaurants.

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Café Evergreen

For some, dietary limitations and fear of unkempt food preparation areas make going out to dinner less like a treat and more like a chore.  If you have to bring your own lemons to cleanse the glass rim before you take a drink or must smuggle in salt-free seasonings lest the food be bland or too salty, why go to the bother of spending your hard-earned money on dining out.  You want a restaurant to cook for you like they were cooking for their grandmother or treasured loved one, using the utmost care and love to prepare your foods in a clean area.  And, what about the foods themselves?  You want “farm fresh,” not day-old goods served to you after a hard day’s work.  The freshest ingredients of the utmost highest quality, prepared with minimal or zero processing involved in all recipes would be wonderful, wouldn’t it?  For Sarasota County, there is only one place that checks all your dining out must haves.  The verdict is in and Café Evergreen is serving the freshest foods available in a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Nokomis.  Let’s meet for lunch, shall we?

With a mantra that dictates they “be a leader in healthy foods and drinks that are fresh, great tasting and unique,” Café Evergreen is continuously coming up with highly delectable and creative dishes.  They offer healthy varieties of the standard American fare including French fries and burgers, except theirs is a sweet potato version that is not fried but is definitely to die for.  And those burgers – – only pasture fed and locally raised beef makes the cut for this popular lunch item.

What else is good to eat at Café Evergreen?  For starters, everything! Organic sandwiches, salads, unique wraps and a broad selection of beer and wine cover everyone’s tastes.  In addition to their seasonal menus which are adjusted to take advantage of what is growing locally, a daily “Chef’s Choice Lunch” and “Chef’s Choice Dinner” are always a delightful surprise to locals who cannot wait to see what the Café Evergreen kitchen is cooking.  And, because they use two-thirds less salt than most other restaurants, you can worry a little less about your health concerns while eating away from home.  Their juice and smoothie bar adds another healthful component to the restaurant with fresh and delicious concoctions.  With names like “Carrot Rocket Booster” and “Squeeze Me Sun,” there is no room for doubt about disingenuous ingredients ending up in your juice glass.

Another certain aspect of Café Evergreen is the history involved with their building.  They are situated in the oldest structure found on US-41, all the way from Nokomis to Tampa.  Now, that is a great topic of conversation to have while washing down your lunch, followed by a beautiful piece of vegan cake and a specialty coffee.   Café Evergreen serves breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Lunch and dinner are served Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM and Friday through Saturday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.  The Juice/Smoothie Bar is open Sunday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM and Friday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Much as the management at Café Evergreen expects greatness from their chefs, fresh food sources, and employees, they demand the same from organizations they belong to, including IBE.  They have found IBE to be a great asset over the years.  One of the main reasons is that they like the amount of cash businesses can hold onto.   They love the feeling that goes with obtaining necessary items and services through bartering.  When asked how they describe IBE to friends and business acquaintances, Café Evergreen owners, Ted and Annette Weinberger tell people that IBE is a “fun and creative way to meet people, expand your business, and get items you might be in need of or want.”

Ted and Annette like to treat their employees to QR Certificates around the holidays, something the staff has grown to love.  They do not hesitate to call fellow IBE merchants for any AC needs and other issues around the home or office.  “We look at the IBE family first for anything we need.  We rarely have to look outside of the IBE network.”  Ted goes on to say that “eight out of ten dining experiences he and Annette have are paid for via IBE.”  They enjoy that they can eat out often, and get to try other beautiful upscale restaurants in the area.

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Hometown Desserts

“The icing on the cake!”  There is a reason this phrase is so over-used.  Is there anything better than icing on a cake, after all?  No, not really.  When we think of any occasion that requires a cake, automatic joyful images gather in our heads and emotions well up in our hearts.  If it calls for cake, there is probably a birthday, wedding, or, even a new baby involved.  Or, better yet, maybe the baby’s gender will be revealed with a pink or blue batter, covered with a neutral colored fondant as to not spoil the surprise inside.   We may not remember our first dance, but we can sure recall the taste of that wedding cake we spent hours making decisions over.   Which flavor, and should it be tastefully decorated with a simplistic design, or “Cake Boss” this thing all the way to the banquet table?  Cakes equal love, don’t they?  They equal joyful times, meaningful moments, and, in the end, they make the most wonderful events just a bit more special.  And that is why we all love cakes.

Now that we have spoken of our infatuation with this scrumptious concoction of flour, sugar, and flavorings, the next issue to tackle is, “Who has the best cakes?”  This, my friends, is an important question to answer.  If you have had an amazing piece of cake, flakiest cookie, or most delicious dessert while you were dining out, either on the Island or in the Bradenton area, chances are you were eating something created by Hometown Desserts.  With well over a dozen popular restaurants on its wholesale distribution list, they are fast becoming the area’s benchmark for fine, freshly baked sweets.  And, with two retail locations, one on Anna Maria Island and the other one situated in Bradenton, word-of-mouth praises and an active Facebook page are making drop-ins the norm.  In fact, according to owner, Cindy Tutterow, “We are the first stop for a lot of tourists and they always stop by at the end of the season.”  Whether they are there for the Key Lime Coconut cupcake or a crispy sugar cookie fashioned into a beautiful mermaid, guests cannot get enough of Hometown Desserts.

For Cindy Tutterow, transitioning from a schoolteacher to a baker was not that far of a stretch.  Afterall, she had grown up in the kitchen surrounded by her mother, grandmother, and sisters doing what they all loved – baking.  After a period when people were requesting her baked goods and turning her hobby into a side business, she knew her passions really revolved around creating beautiful and tasty treats.  These days, Hometown Desserts, in addition to handling amazing dessert lines at multiple restaurants, also does specialty wedding cakes, birthday cakes and treats, and even corporate events with hundreds of attendees.

As a member of IBE for the past six years, Hometown Desserts is a perfect match for other merchants wanting custom cakes, beautiful desserts for an event, or just a monthly stockpile of freshly baked cookies.  As a result, Cindy has been able to accumulate her barter points to get two large and very costly freezer and display cases, something her business needed to grow but that she could not have been able to acquire without IBE.  And, because people really do love cake, Cindy has also been able to put in an entire security camera system in her stores, all through the money-saving magic of International Barter Exchange.

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Brewburger’s

“Where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” Sounds like the well-known words to a great old TV show, doesn’t it? “Cheers” sure had it right, with their cute and memorable jingle. Whether you are familiar with the premise of this ‘80s comedy hit or not, the message is relevant: People like to go to places where they feel welcomed and relaxed. And, when the establishment in question is a restaurant and the food is also simply amazing, every single time, then a lot of happy diners get online and rave about their experience. Such is the case with Venice’s own BrewBurger’s, home of what many claim is the best burger around. They are a family-friendly pub serving amazing burgers, wings, rings, and a whole menu of tasty other things in a laid-back atmosphere. And, also, if they don’t know your name, they’ll still make you feel at home. Eventually though, you’ll visit so many times, you will all be well-acquainted.

What makes up a fabulous burger? For some, it is all about the meat. Large portions of the freshest cuts of prime beef are essential for burger connoisseurs. Others need a bun, soft or firm, hearty or petite in relation to the meat – – to be the wingman to the burger. And then the cheese, catsup, mustard, onions, etcetera, are either “key” or “persona non grata” for burger fans. At BrewBurger’s, they’ll do it your way, or you can have it their way, which includes ingenious burgers topped with everything from fried eggs to ham. Add in their Saratoga chips or sweet-potato fries and you have some seriously heavenly matches. But it does not stop there, you know. If you want a great Philly cheesesteak, try one of their imaginative varieties, even that cool one with the teriyaki flair. Their wings, bone in or not are so perfectly prepared whether naked, seasoned, or drenched in a variety of tantalizing sauces, that deciding what to order can become difficult. Wings, burgers, salads, homemade soups and a five-alarm chili – there are no poor choices at BrewBurger’s. And as far as the brew part of the equation, they have a great variety of on-tap or in-the-bottle beers and wines. Finish off your meal with a chocolate milkshake or a piece of their famous peanut butter pie and call it a great day.

With two convenient locations, at Jacaranda and I-75 and on Venice Island, you are never too far away from a quick, fresh, friendly meal. Expanding their repertoire is a great BrewBurger’s food truck which has been making the rounds to rave reviews at local events. With additions like the food truck and patrons clamoring for additional locations, BrewBurger’s owner, Michael Bacon, knows the importance of creative financing and stretching the buck as far as it can possibly go. That is why nearly ten years ago, he made the decision to join IBE.

Regarding his satisfaction with IBE, Michael explains, “When I first started out, I was looking for a way to broaden my reach. IBE made perfect sense as an avenue for advertisement, to meet new people, to basically get our name out there.” When asked about the outcome of that monumental decision, he says, “In a nutshell, it absolutely worked!” He goes on to say, “Now, it saves me money. I like to see my barter bucks build up and save them for a larger project. When it comes time to pay, it doesn’t hurt near as much when you use IBE.”

For Michael Bacon and the gang at BrewBurger’s, getting a new awning at the restaurant and having driveways paved are simply not a stressful expense with IBE footing the bill. Michael’s dream now is to save up his bartering power for some pretty amazing travel plans he is foreseeing in his future. Much like the consistently great but ever-evolving menu at BrewBurger’s he believes the IBE organization is a superior match for anyone wanting amazing service and a quality product.

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British Open Pub

A great restaurant earns its reputation over time.  Even if a new eatery opens to rave reviews, it is a consistent delivery of impeccable plates every single time that makes people really take notice.  And, if the kitchen is the heart and soul of a restaurant, with everything flowing out to awaiting patrons, then it is those very customers who provide the personality to the establishment.  You can tell the character of a great pub as soon as you walk in.  Generally, a steady stream of laughter can be heard along with lively conversations coming from the regulars, there for the great chats as much as the exceptional food.  A lively hubbub nicely accompanies the beautiful esthetics of the quaint bar area and an expansive dining room means the usually large crowds will not have to wait.  But, something peculiar happens when the plates are served.  The conversations die down, people take notice of the gorgeous food on their plates and everyone dives in to their bangers and mash.

At British Open Pub, on Jacaranda Boulevard in Venice, they feel that “people are the heart and soul of any pub.”  From every interaction with their clientele to each well-placed detail within the restaurant, charm and hominess exudes.  Like any great English pub, the characters who linger at the bar and dwell over the great cottage pie are really the lifeblood of the whole establishment.  At British Open Pub, they place the client on the top rung, making sure every moment spent there is enjoyable and immensely tasty.

Oh, the menu!  Have you ever tasted a piece of fish so crispy on the outside, but perfectly flaky and moist on the inside, it seems to defy your sensibilities?  How do they achieve that perfection?  Is there some method of preparation that only British Open Pub has their hands on?  In any case, you will find yourself devouring every last morsel of the North Atlantic cod.  Make sure you save room for their perfectly-seasoned chips sitting right alongside.  Are you in the mood for a pub pie?  At British Open Pub, a Chicken and Mushroom Pie will make you think of Grandma’s Sunday dinner, even on a Tuesday.  The locals love their “sandwedges,” which will make even the hangriest gents feel better.  One bite of Barron’s Beef Bomber, with mounds of tender shaved beef or prime rib on a hearty hoagie roll with au jus and all will be right with the world again.  Good food has a tendency to do that for people.  As is the case with any amazing pub, the beer takes a starring role.  At British Open Pub, they are proud to serve 15 draught beers, along with daily drink specials.

When it comes to IBE, the folks at British Open Pub consider the organization to be an integral part of their business growth and development.  When they needed a complete construction build out of their restaurant, they knew there was only one reputable bartering organization with whom they could get this done.  Relying on bartering to fund all of the contractors, materials and labor allowed them to free up their own capital for other business needs.  Without IBE, British Open Pub would not be have been able to reach the potential they are enjoying today.  Even now, they use several IBE businesses to take care of repairs and also enjoy trying new restaurants via QR Certificates.  Without hesitation, British Open Pub considers the International Barter Exchange to be a great friend of the restaurant and wonderful resource to partner with for the future.

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Primo! Ristorante

Walking into a favorite restaurant can feel as good as walking into your grandmother’s house on a late Sunday afternoon.  You know that even before your feet cross over the threshold into her beloved kitchen, you have a pretty good idea of what is on the menu for supper.  You had that part down when you entered her house, even before as you got out of your car.  Little wafts of…..hmm, what is that?  Garlic?  Parmesan?  Roasted veal?  Or maybe a fragrant combination of all three, so heady and distracting that your only thought now is wondering how long you must wait to taste what grandmother is cooking.  Walking into your favorite restaurant can do that to you – – take you somewhere comfortable and delicious.  And just like the treasured meals and memories made there, the people who work inside will make you want to return, again and again.  Your favorite restaurant, aside from tantalizing your taste buds, always has that “special” person that you can count on for a friendly “hello” and heartfelt concern that you are enjoying your meal and time there.  For countless Sarasota and Bradenton residents, and far beyond, Primo! Ristorante provides that “feels good, smells great, best Italian food ever, walking into grandma’s home” type of ambiance.

For over 30 years, Primo! Ristorante has been the premiere destination for authentic Italian cuisine.  From birthdays to proms, marriage proposals to large events like family reunions and charity galas, Primo’s has been deluging locals with consistently out-of-this-world dishes and wonderful memories.  Though they are partial to their throng of devoted fans who dine in at least weekly, the employees at Primo’s make everyone feel like family before the first appetizer is delivered.  Owner, Maurizio Colucci, an Italian native who has worked in the finest hotels and restaurants in Milan, France and beyond, is known for his arms out-stretched, welcoming demeanor to all who enter the doors of his establishment.   And, at Primo! Ristorante there is never a doubt on whether the food will be scrumptious.  Authentic Italian food that is consistently of the utmost highest quality, taste and presentation is what Primo! Ristorante is known for.

In addition to the best wood-burning pizza around, the finest cuts of veal and the most succulent chicken parmigiana, Primo! Ristorante has become a destination for live Jazz and Russian music.  Their events room offers an expansive area for dining, mingling and dancing with beautiful adjoining patios to offer a more intimate setting for a quiet conversation.  Their ten-seat tabletops allow for smaller groups to join with others, and new friendships are indelibly made.  Primo! Ristorante’s exquisite menu and live music?  Now, that sounds like an amazing evening.  No wonder the social media feeds are burning up with people raving about everything that is happening there.

Primo! Ristorante is proud to be one of the founding members of the International Barter Exchange.  The management team cannot say enough about the countless relationships that have been forged as a result of IBE.  Some of their devoted “regulars” at the restaurant discovered Primo! Ristorante through QR Certificates.  These same individuals are not only customers, but have become friends of the restaurant, which is an added perk of a well-run barter system.   The folks at Primo! Ristorante are proud to say they see many diners each week as a result of IBE.  In turn, they utilize the services of fellow IBE businesses for air conditioning repairs and maintenance issues around the restaurant.  IBE and Primo! Ristorante is an enviable match, but also attainable by any business making the money-saving decision to join International Barter Exchange today.

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Ophelia’s on the Bay

When you have been voted “Best Waterfront Restaurant in Sarasota” over and over again, the bar is set high.  You know that people choose your establishment to celebrate their greatest occasions, the times that will burn brightly into the memories of those in the group.  Graduations, birthdays, proposals, anniversaries – – so many beautiful moments in life, and, as you age, you realize how significant and important these pivotal moments are.  It is imperative that everything be perfect to memorialize your occasion.  You need a scenic setting, on the water, of course, because there is nothing more special than the lights taking a little dance over the waves, as their gentle lapping onto the shores provides a subtle melody.  The food has to be on-point.  You know what that means, it must be locally sourced, with prime cuts of beef and the freshest seafood marvelously presented on plates that more resemble artists’ canvases due to their colorful beauty.  The service has to be stellar, after all, your beloveds cannot want for anything on their special day.  Sarasota has answered on multiple occasions; if you desire the best dining experience on the water, head to Ophelia’s on the Bay.

Family-owned for nearly 25 years, Ophelia’s on the Bay has become the quintessential idea of what the good life in Sarasota looks like.  Locals and visitors just rave at the world-class menu, featuring the freshest foods literally found on the planet.  They are known to fly in specialty fish and seafood delicacies, and go to great lengths to source the freshest and finest grades of local foods.  Dining at Ophelia’s is an experience.  Sipping on a martini watching the dolphins frolic in the bay through     ceiling-to-floor windows is quite spectacular.  Ophelia’s provides an Old Florida setting, showcasing vista views of the bay, something many people do not regularly get to enjoy.  With a much laid back, elegant feeling, guests are treated to what feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The menu at Ophelia’s on the Bay reads like an exquisite novel.  From Ribeye of Darling Downs Kobe Beef to Tenderloin Tournedos of Pork, the connection between reading with your eyes and yearning to taste these delicacies is short.  Narrowing down the choices can be difficult, but definitely a great read as your mind ponders melt-in-your-mouth moments up ahead.  You could begin your journey with the Bon Secour Oysters, then deliciously wander into their Artisanal Salad Greens, complete with cinnamon candied walnuts.  Then, how about letting a local take center stage, as the Gulf Grouper, spice-bronzed with a side of habanero potatoes dazzles your delighted tasted buds?  Pulling it all together for an amazing end-of-night song will be the Banana Flambé.  This is just a glimpse into the exemplary dining found at Ophelia’s on the Bay.  Chances are you are already aware of this award-winning gem.  But if not, it is the impeccable choice for your special occasion.  Or, show up on a non-eventful evening and let the professionals at Ophelia’s bring the “special” to you.

Does Ophelia’s on the Bay love IBE?  Well, of course!  You do not rise to the top of your game by letting great organizations like IBE pass you by.  As a Sarasota staple, Ophelia’s loves supporting local businesses within the IBE network.  They have found that just about everything they need around the restaurant can be sourced through an IBE barter.  From uniforms to cleaning services, marketing to office supplies, and plenty of celebrations for very loyal employees, Ophelia’s on the Bay gets it done with the helpful hands of other IBE merchants.

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JPan Sushi & Grill

“Five hundred, twenty five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year?”  What great lyrics from one of the most successful rock musicals of all time, Rent.  Even though from an iconic song, these words ring true for the average person.  We all have the same amount of minutes in a year and days in a week, but sometimes it all gets so hurried.  You try to handle everything; the job, family, friends, appointments, and our children’s rigorous schedules.  But, at the end of the day, you just crave a great, healthy meal with your tribe where everyone can recount their day and plan ahead for tomorrow.  Also, could somebody else cook tonight, please?  After all, we only get so many minutes in a year, so getting out of the kitchen and looking into the eyes of those you hold so dear while you consume a wonderful meal should be tops on your list.  You crave something unique to let your family know that every moment you spend together is to be celebrated.  Tonight, Jpan Sushi & Grill is doing the work, while you enjoy your minutes with whoever is important in your life.

Who loves sushi?  Quick answer:  Everyone!  Some foods become fads rather quickly, then burn out, and are just thought of as a food of interest for that time period.  Not sushi.  Sushi done right is a particular diner’s version of heaven on earth.  And at Jpan Sushi & Grill, the freshest sourced ingredients and expert sushi chefs create a culinary experience you won’t soon forget.  With two locations serving Siesta Key and University Town Center, Jpan is never too far when your sushi cravings kick in.  And let us not forget that sushi is not the only star of the show.  Their salads, rice, seafood, beef and chicken dishes tantalize any taste bud.

For owner, Daniel Dokko, expanding his thriving set of restaurants has always been a natural progression.  From their beginning days at Lakewood Ranch when customers began trickling in to now, when JPan is considered one of the premiere sushi destinations in Sarasota, a third restaurant was never out of the realm of possibilities.  Daniel is proud to announce the third installment to his restaurant line, which will be unveiled some time the end of 2020.  The new Korean-based establishment, Kore’ will be a standout amongst a great lineup of seasoned restaurants grounding the immensely popular Lakewood Ranch dining district.   Stay tuned for details, the excitement for everything happening at JPan Sushi & Grill et al is palpable.

Does Daniel and the team over at JPan utilize IBE?  Absolutely!  Daniel is quick to rattle off the long list of merchants who have become friends over easy, mutually-profitable barters.  When A/C woes have gotten them down in the past, they have two great IBE companies that are delightful to deal with, especially when things get heated.  Veteran Air and Cool Today have proven to be extremely reliable IBE partners.  When plumbing problems have frustrated the folks at JPan, they rely on the professionals at Pro Plumbing Air & Electric to keep the pipes in top shape.  Several new relationships have been forged through the cohesive group of IBE merchants, and Daniel and the folks at JPan are proud to be members.

Celebrating their 11th year as Sushi phenoms is proving to be exciting and tasty over at JPan Sushi & Grill.  Remember, as the days get busy and time is flying by, you only get so many minutes in a year.  Take yourself out of the kitchen, out of the ordinary, and spice up your minute bank with a delectable meal at JPan Sushi & Grill.  And, don’t forget, their sister restaurant will be opening at the end of 2020!

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Hana Sushi Lounge

The scenario is familiar to many, you rush home from work to find the kids staring at the refrigerator in disbelief that dinner doesn’t jump out. You want to feed them something healthy but you’ve had a long week and cooking followed by cleaning the kitchen does not sound like an evening of fun. There are better things to do with your limited time and healthy ways to achieve a nutritious meal for your family. You’d like to unwind because as the family bread winner, some down time in an atmosphere that has a great vibe is just what you need. Without hesitation, you head to Hana Sushi Lounge, the prime destination for a wonderful meal for your hungry tribe.

If you’ve been in Sarasota for any amount of time, you begin to know where the “hot” spots are. You know the desirable neighborhoods with the great restaurants and impressive shopping options. Lakewood Ranch has become the #1 destination for visitors and residents in the area and Hana Sushi Lounge was happy to determine that long before many others. As a staple restaurant in Lakewood Ranch and the first sushi establishment to open there, Hana Sushi Lounge has been feeding happy customers for the past seven years.

What makes a great sushi lounge extraordinary? First and foremost is the quality of the sushi. Hana Sushi guarantees premium quality sushi of the utmost freshness and amazing taste. Expertly-trained chefs will turn your dinner into a magnificent feast. You won’t wait long to come back and you’ll find yourself longing for that succulent sushi all hours of the day. Combine that with innovative mixologists who serve up clever cocktails and your palate will be delighted at Hana Sushi.

Whether it be drink specials, happy hour extravaganzas, private parties or exclusive catering services, Hana Sushi Lounge has all of your needs covered from a quick meal during the week to an amazing, over-the-top holiday party. Who doesn’t like planning an event where all you have to do is show up and enjoy the sushi and sensational art-filled ambiance. And by the way, their curbside pickup makes it super convenient to get your sushi to go for a special evening at home. If your tastes lie more along the lines of sizzling teriyaki or a spicy tuna salad, Hana Sushi Lounge has an entire lineup of scrumptious dishes. Every entrée is served with soup or salad, vegetables and rice. From octopus to stir fry, the options are abundant. So, bring your sushi-loving friends along with those who appreciate some hearty Korean beef, because Hana Sushi Lounge brings together the best of many culinary worlds.

As a valued member of the IBE bartering community, Hana Sushi Lounge utilizes IBE trading in many ways. They love the opportunities that IBE offers to show appreciation to their employees. They keep everyone looking sharp with uniforms that were procured via IBE bartering and rely on the services of IBE cleaning companies to keep the restaurant looking sharp as a tack. They love the ease and simplicity with which the barters occur and marvel over how streamlined the system has become. If you need a/c help, Hana Sushi Lounge says, “No problem!” They were able to consult with their IBE broker and had someone out in no time at all, repairing their a/c and making life cool again. For Hana Sushi Lounge, IBE is a modern and current way of conducting business for forward-thinking merchants.

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Clayton’s Siesta Grille

If you are looking for recommendations for a great restaurant, just ask the locals. People who live in the area will be the first to point out where they celebrate special occasions like Mother’s Day or Christmas when a beautiful meal is necessary to make the festivities complete. They will tell you that for date night, ambiance is key and a friendly and professional staff makes or breaks the mood. And, when a family just wants to unwind from a hectic week and leave all their cares behind, Siesta Key is known to calm the nerves and heighten the senses with Gulf winds and abundant sunny skies. For all of these reasons and more, Clayton’s Siesta Grille is on the tip of everyone’s tongue when asked, “What is your favorite restaurant?”

Since opening in 2004, Clayton’s has become the premiere dining destination on Siesta Key and in the surrounding Sarasota areas. Serving locally sourced, healthy foods with an upscale, beachy twist makes this restaurant a staple for locals and provides tourists with not just a fantastic meal but a true Siesta Key experience. And who doesn’t want that? With the best beaches in the world and reality stars to boot, people are starving for Siesta Key and Clayton’s is enriching their lives with amazing foods and tantalizing views. From macadamia nut-crusted grouper to brick oven pizza and perfectly prepared filet mignon, the choices are mouthwatering to say the least. And did you hear? You can spend the day on the boat with friends catching fresh seafood, bring it into Clayton’s and they will prepare it any way you desire. How is that for service? Leave the mess and fuss behind, because Clayton’s will serve your uber-fresh fish with truffle French fries or wild mushroom risotto as just a couple of the amazing side choices. When it is all done, save room for the bananas foster, okay?

As a member of the IBE family for many years, Clayton’s has enjoyed beneficial trades on many levels. Clayton’s accepts IBE payment on holidays and throughout the year, so many loyal customers have been made via IBE. They have been able to purchase a pool table, pavers, patio awnings and repairs to the restaurant thanks to IBE trades. For the past several years, Arlen has come by to change the air conditioning filters, thanks to IBE, and Terry’s Plumbing has taken care of maintenance issues in the restaurant. They use Absolute Payroll to ensure their human resource and deductions are taken care of in a timely manner and have used Dr. Larson for chiropractic and massage needs. Though in the restaurant business themselves, the owners of Clayton’s Siesta Grille also enjoy being patrons of neighboring restaurants like Ophelia’s and Off the Hook. There is nothing better than walking into a nice restaurant with a $100 IBE QR in your Barter Wallet to foot the bill.

If you live in Sarasota, chances are you have not only visited Clayton’s but it is likely your go-to establishment for an amazing meal and stellar scenery. With an impressive list of chef specials, your next night out can be this evening. After a hard day’s work, Clayton’s Siesta Grille will welcome you with a cold drink, an exquisite meal, and a friendly atmosphere to let you know you are valued. No wonder the locals cite Clayton’s as the best restaurant on or off the key.

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