'Our Famous Italian' at The Main Bar
The Main Bar was established as a sandwich shop in 1958 by retiring circus performers Antonio (Charlie) Borza and his wife Thea. Inspired by her home town of Florence, Italy, Thea created what has now become “Our Famous Italian.”
A Legacy of Flavor Since 1958
Located at 1944 Main Street in Sarasota Florida The Main Bar was established as a sandwich shop in 1958 by retiring circus performers Antonio (Charlie) Borza and his wife Thea. Inspired by her home town of Florence, Italy, Thea created what has now become “Our Famous Italian.” Today, The Main Bar Sandwich Shop is owned and operated by Chip and Kate Beeman. Chip and Kate have maintained The Main Bar as the institution that it has become in Sarasota.
Sandwiches In Paradise: Main Bar
Jimmy Buffett and a devotion to Parrothead culture lured Chip and Katie Beeman to move from Oregon to Florida nearly a decade ago. But an Italian sandwich, specifically one sold at the Main Bar and Sandwich Shop in downtown Sarasota, got the couple to stay. They loved the Italian and the place that served it so much, actually, that they bought the joint.
A Culinary Link to Sarasota’s Circus Past!
Chip Beeman and his wife, Kate, searched from Tampa Bay area to Punta Gorda for a restaurant to buy when they decided to move to Florida in 2004.
Then their broker took them to lunch at the Main Bar Sandwich Shop on Main Street, which has been operating in downtown Sarasota since 1958.
