Owner of Bevardi’s Salute in downtown Sarasota won bid to operate the facility
At 11 a.m. on March 18, the Lido Pavilion concession stand reopened to the public as the Lido Island Grill, “with an extensive family-friendly lunch and dinner menu,” the City of Sarasota announced.
The reopening highlighted “significant improvements to the Lido Pavilion by the City of Sarasota, including a new pavilion roof, new concrete patio, new shade covering, new patio furniture, new concession vent hood system, newly painted building and new landscaping,” a news release notes.
“Reopening the renovated concession stand is a milestone with the Lido Pavilion improvement plan,” said Jerry Fogle, director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, in the release. “Residents and visitors have been anxiously awaiting the return of concessions at the beach, and after much work by the city and the new concessionaire, we’re excited that day is upon us,” Fogle added in the release.
“In January 2020, the City Commission awarded the Lido Beach concession service contract to local chef Laszlo Bevardi, owner of Bevardi’s Salute, a long-time restaurant in downtown Sarasota,” the release explains. “Bevardi renovated the kitchen, created a new concession stand name and logo, and developed an extensive menu featuring standard beach favorites, as well as lobster rolls, chilled ceviche, coconut shrimp and much more,” the release says. Vegetarian and gluten-free options also are available, it notes.
A separate walk-up window is open for alcohol service including beer, wine, frozen drinks and limited cocktails, the release adds.
“The Lido Island Grill also will be focused on eco-friendly customer service,” the release notes.
“My family and I love Lido Beach,” said Bevardi in the release. “Our goal is to offer delicious food at an affordable price while dramatically decreasing plastic usage to help protect the nearby shoreline and wildlife. Plates, beverage cups and straws will be biodegradable, with straws available upon request,” he added in the release. “We look forward to welcoming the Sarasota community to the Lido Island Grill.”
City commissioners joined Bevardi for a ribbon cutting and a “soft opening celebration” at noon on March 16, the city reported.
Regular hours of operation may be flexible, with the concession stand opening at 11 a.m. and closing between 5:30 and 6 p.m. daily, depending upon beachgoer activity, the release points out.
Lido Pavilion is located at 400 Ben Franklin Drive.
For additional information about the Lido Island Grill, visit LidoIslandGrill.com or contact Laszlo Bevardi: info@LidoIslandGrill.com