One of the best restaurants in downtown Sarasota — open for nearly 12 years and renowned for its creative comfort foods and craft cocktails — has permanently closed.
MADE, located at 1990 Main St. since opening in 2013, surprised its many longtime customers with an announcement posted to social media at 10:42 a.m. Sunday.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we must share a difficult decision,” the post begins. “After much consideration and evaluation, we regret to announce that after 12 years on Main Street, we will be closing the doors at MADE on 12/29/24.
“This decision has not been made lightly, and we deeply regret the impact it will have on our loyal customers, dedicated team members, and our outstanding suppliers/partners.”
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MADE restaurant in downtown Sarasota has permanently closed
The signature burger at MADE Restaurant (1990 Main St., Sarasota) with a side of cheesy tots. MADE restaurant in downtown Sarasota, which opened in 2013, announced its permanent closure on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.
Chef and owner Mark Woodruff opened MADE, which stood for Modern American Delicious Eats, along with Michael Ripatranzone in 2013.
Woodruff’s inspired take on upscale American comfort food made the restaurant a beloved destination for lunch and dinner on upper Main Street. Offering plenty of covered open-air seating to accompany the indoor dining area and a full-liquor bar focused on first-rate craft cocktails, MADE’s many highlights included its signature gourmet burger, Music City-worthy Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, and a four-meat meatloaf definitely not like the one your momma makes.
In addition, MADE’s Sunday brunch had become legendary, with reservations highly recommended. This Sunday, however, around brunchtime, Woodruff took to social media to share the news.
“Closed up a dream today,” he posted to Facebook just before 11 a.m. “Thank you all for all the years of support. I’m at a loss for words.”
MADE restaurant in downtown Sarasota was featured in an episode of Travel Channel’s ‘Food Paradise’
MADE’s popularity peaked in 2018 when it appeared in an episode of Travel Channel’s “Food Paradise” program.
Woodruff told the Herald-Tribune he was excited about the opportunity not just for the extra business it could bring MADE, but also for the spotlight a national television appearance would shine on Sarasota and its culinary scene, which, at the time, was suffering from a red tide event.
“Especially during red tide, it shows there are other things to do in the city besides beaches,” Woodruff said.
‘We understand this news may come as a shock,’ MADE said
On Sunday, MADE’s closure announcement acknowledged that many customers did not foresee the restaurant would be shuttering.
“We understand this news may come as a shock to some, and we apologize for any inconvenience it may cause,” MADE said in a statement posted on social media. “We genuinely appreciate your understanding and grace during this difficult time.
“It has been an honor to serve you, and we will cherish the memories we created, and MADE together. Once again, thank you for your support. We wish you all the best in the future.”
This is a developing story.
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 Facebook, Instagram and X. He can be reached by email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Popular downtown Sarasota restaurant unexpectedly closes for good
