Nationally known wine-focused restaurant to open new location in region, seeks employees

SARASOTA — Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants is opening its third Gulf Coast location, with a new spot at the Fruitville Commons commercial and apartment living community just east of Interstate 75 in Sarasota.  

The national establishment features a combination of a casual restaurant, Napa-style tasting room and artisanal retail market. The location is currently under development. 

“Southwest Florida has seen rapid growth with its world-renowned beaches and ideal location on the Gulf Coast of Mexico,” Founder Tim McEnery says in a statement. “As a year-round, go-to destination in South Florida and a place many go to escape the cold, northern winters, Sarasota was the perfect location for the Cooper’s Hawk brand.”

The location will feature a wine club, wine shop, wine tasting and an eating area designed for leisure dining and business meetings. The menu offers dishes that pair well with Cooper’s Hawk wines. The wines are made at the company’s main winery in Illinois. 

In preparation for the opening, Cooper’s Hawk is seeking 140 employees for management positions, cooks and front-of-house staff. Both full- and part-time positions are available. The company is hosting a hiring fair May 12 at 337 Interstate Boulevard, Unit D in Sarasota near Ackerman Park. Applicants who are interested should text code CHSA to 77948.  

Cooper’s Hawk also has locations in Tampa, Naples and Fort Lauderdale, as well as throughout the Midwest.