Burger & Beer Joint opens Wednesday in Sarasota's Mall at University Town Center
UNIVERSITY PARK -- If The Mall at University Town Center shoppers are in the mood for a burger like they've never tasted before, the new Burger & Beer Joint can serve it up, along with a local Florida craft beer.
The newest addition to the mall's dining options is a franchise of the rock 'n' roll-themed burger chain based in Miami. Franchisee John Cerutti, who lives in Miami, said he loves the Sarasota area and thinks the Burger & Beer Joint in The Mall at University Town Center can be a prototype of a more upscale design for future Burger & Beer Joints.
The new location, complete with an outdoor patio and dining area, hosted a media preview tasting event Tuesday.
Cerutti said he's been a customer and fan of the craft burger restaurant since he came to Miami from Italy five years ago. He fell in love with the brand and couldn't resist the opportunity to take on the first franchise location in South Beach and another in the Mary Brickell Village shopping center in Miami.
"When you put a burger from Burger & Beer Joint in your mouth, you know it is delicious and different," Cerutti said.
Dy'Ante Reddick, corporate executive chef for Burger & Beer Joint, explained the restaurant as an updated, fun roadside burger joint.
"It's like if you were driving down Route 66 and saw some bikers out
front and you stopped in -- but you'd feel comfortable," Reddick said.
As each course came out during Tuesday's media tasting, Reddick explained the thought behind each burger and answered questions about choice of ingredients.
Burger & Beer Joint uses top-choice beef provided by Halperns' Purveyors of Steak & Seafood and uses gourmet ingredients many customers might not think of putting on a burger, such as Hudson valley foie gras, prosciutto and black truffle aioli. They also offer chicken, turkey, tuna and bison burgers.
If customers aren't in the mood for burgers, the menu also offers a variety of soups, salads and customizable dishes like macaroni and cheese. Reddick said the macaroni and cheese options are endless, and he's seen diners add goat cheese, lobster and bacon to the dish.
Burger & Beer Joint in Sarasota is a full-service restaurant and nine of its 24 draft beer selections are from Florida breweries, including several choices from Sarasota and Bradenton breweries. Cerutti said he likes that he can offer delicious burger choices along with fine wines and high-end liquor selections.
"I think it's something that this area was looking for," Cerutti said.
Burger & Beer Joint will be open from 11:30 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
The joint is on the east side of The Mall at University Town Center near the Macy's store. Burger & Beer Joint signature burgers start at $10.99, custom burgers start at $7.99 and appetizers start at $5.99.
Janelle O'Dea, Herald business reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7095. Follow her on Twitter@jayohday.
This story was originally published April 22, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Burger & Beer Joint opens Wednesday in Sarasota's Mall at University Town Center ."