Square One: Eclectic Burger Joint Expands In Sarasota

The owners of Bella’s Italian Café in Tampa have enjoyed 24 years of success in an industry known to be tough. And they are about to open the third location of a restaurant they opened just a few years ago. The third Square One Burgers and Bar is set to open today, March 1, in Sarasota.

According to Square One comptroller Mikaela Walter, restaurateurs Bill Shumate and Joanie Corneil began their partnership when they opened Bella’s 24 years ago. They watched it flourish as a mainstay of Tampa culinary culture. And then they had an idea. Why not take the vintage Americana burger joint concept and decorate it with eclectic touches like an art deco chandelier and pony-upholstered seats? They added a full bar, wine list, beer menu and a vegetarian menu. They named it Square One Burgers and Bar and opened it at 3701 N. Henderson Blvd Tampa.

The concept worked. So well, in fact, that they are about to open their third location — the second one for Sarasota — at 5239 University Parkway. It joins the first Sarasota location at 1737 S. Tamiami Trail. Each Square One Burgers and Bar features its own menu and offers a private dining room for special events.

“Our first Sarasota location opened in December 2010,” explains Walter. “Sarasota offers its residents and vacationers world-class cuisine. What better location for a concept like Square One Burgers and Bar?”

Walter says they intend to continue to evolve as a Florida franchise. “In the next 12 to 18 months, we are hoping to have six more locations open in Southwest and Central Florida.”

Writer: Missy Kavanaugh
Source: Mikaela Walter, Square One Burgers and Bar