Florence and the Spice Boys (4990 S. Tamiami Trail) might just be the most uniquely named restaurant in all of Sarasota. Millennials will recognize the clever play on the names Florence and the Machine and Spice Girls. However, the playful name belies how seriously the owners take hospitality and cuisine. Co-owner Florence Schmitt, the de facto face of the “band,” insists on a culture of refined hospitality, while her husband, Steven Schmitt, and co-owner Carl Kolber craft bold, eclectic dishes inspired by the diverse cuisines found around Florence’s hometown, London.
The menu is as culturally varied as London itself. “We make what we love and find exciting,” they say. Among the offerings is Behl Puri, a traditional Indian dish re-imagined with coriander, chutney, green apple, yogurt, and tamarind. They also serve a playful take on Big Macs, as a nod to the iconic McDonald’s burger. Rainbow Bowls are crowd-pleasers, too, with samplers of vibrant flavors served with blue coconut rice cooked in butterfly pea tea. Check out the full menu here.
When it comes to hospitality, Florence is old school. “I’m the kind of person who sees a mother getting out of the car, and if it’s raining, I would expect a staff member to go outside and help her,” Florence says. “Even if we are fast-casual, we want people to feel like they are eating at The Four Seasons.” Florence and the Spice Boys balance traditional values with modern flair, from naming the restaurant to reinventing classic dishes and cocktails. Of their cocktails, two stand out: The Istanbul, a riff on the Manhattan with rye whiskey, rose bitters, and rose liquor; and the Lavender Margarita, made with house-made lavender syrup and butterfly pea tea for a natural purplish hue.
Florence and the Spice Boys to open second location
Testifying to their culinary success, Florence and the Spice Boys are already opening a second location, set to debut at 257 N. Cattleman Road by February 2025. This new spot will retain the spirit of the original, while a larger kitchen will allow for expanded creativity. Joining the team is Chef Collin Blakeman, former Executive Chef at Owen’s Fish Camp in Lakewood Ranch.
Before opening their first brick-and-mortar location in 2022, Florence and the Spice Boys operated as a food truck under the name The Spice Boys. Florence joined the team to help out at the window, quickly charming customers with her English wit. She became such a familiar face that when she stepped away, customers kept asking about her. In response, Steven decided that if they ever opened a restaurant, her name would be added—making her officially part of the “band,” because what this team is doing is nothing short of culinary music.
