Sarasota’s Hob Nob Drive-In closes after 67 years in business
SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — Driving along U.S. 301 in Sarasota, the Hob Nob Drive-In is tough to miss. The restaurant brings guests back in time with its black and white checkered wall and open-air dining area and bar.
“I think the first time I ate here I was like 13 or 14 years old and I’ve been coming back ever since,” said Lawrence Whaley, a customer of 50 years.
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The restaurant first opened back in 1957. Cary Spicuzza has owned the place for the last three decades. He purchased the business when he was 34 years old.
“It is time to smell the roses. I’ve been here for 33 years, so, I would have to sign on for another five-year lease in this building and I decided to not do that because then I would be 72,” said Spicuzza.
The decision to retire has been a bittersweet one for Spicuzza. He was overcome with emotion talking about his gratitude for the community who has supported the business over the years.
“Thanks for all the years of coming in,” said Spicuzza.
He said numerous factors weighed into his decision to hang up the towel. Many of those factors came during and after the pandemic such as supply chain issues, rising food costs, staffing struggles, and dwindling summer sales.
“I have been here for 33 years. Last summer was the first summer I ever lost money,” said the owner.
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He explained that the staffing challenges reached the point that Spicuzza had to work the grill five days a week.
Countless customers stopped by the business Wednesday to get one last burger, however, the restaurant was already closed. Staff said they were so packed Tuesday, they ran out of food and closed around 1:30 p.m.
The Hob Nob name will likely be back after a summer break, but in a different form and not in the same structure.
General Manager of 29 years, Annette Gargett, tells 8 On Your Side she plans to open a business that doesn’t need as many employees, such as a food truck. Until then, however, she said she and other staffers plan to take a much-needed break.
Spicuzza said he owns the property surrounding the building that he was leasing for many years and expects to see Gargett run the scaled-down business somewhere on that property.
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