Pictured: Locally roasted coffed from Java Dawg and breakfast goodies abound at The Reserve Retreat. Photo Courtesy of The Reserve Retreat.

Nothing gets the morning off to a positive start like a steaming cup of coffee and a scratch-made omelet. At The Reserve Retreat, guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in a cozy and welcoming historic setting complete with a boutique hotel.

John Ringling owned the three buildings that comprise The Reserve Retreat and relocated two of them to their current location on Tamiami Trail in the 1920s. He added the third building as an expansion of his circus property. The location’s rich history drew Owner Jessica Simmons to open her business there in 2017. Jessica and her wife Sarah Simmons, also the General Manager, dedicate themselves to creating a warm atmosphere for all guests, whether they’re staying in the hotel or just stopping by for a cup of coffee. According to Sarah, 95 percent of the menu is homemade, and no matter what meal diners choose, they’re sure to find something to suit their tastes. “The lox and bagel is one of our most popular sellers, and Jesus, our day chef, makes the best omelet in town,” she adds, noting that the Denver Omlette, with ham, bell peppers, onion, tomato, mushrooms, broccoli and cheddar cheese is a crowd favorite. The restaurant has an convenient pick two half sandwich and soup or salad lunch combination ideal for anyone on the go. Stop by during the hot summer days for Jesus’s Garden Veggie Gazpacho. On the weekends, savor brunch favorites, and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, stop by for a divine dinner courtesy of Chef Richard, whose Crab Bisque is a best seller even during the sweltering summertime.

From the coffee shop, delight in a cup of locally roasted Java Dawg coffee. The Reserve Retreat offers a plethora of flavors, and non-coffee drinkers can sip on loose leaf tea as well. The establishment also boasts a wine and craft beer bar, with an extensive selection curated by Jessica. On the third Thursday of every month, Jessica hosts a tasting and talk, where she imparts her wine wisdom onto guests who sample a selection of six varieties revolving around a certain theme. Aside from scheduled events like live music, the unique space caters towards private events such as weddings and parties.

As a place where hotel guests and restaurant patrons mingle together in a comfortable setting, dining at The Reserve Retreat is like having a meal at the home of a close friend or relative. “Both the customers and employees consider it to be a family business and feel that they are part of the family,” says Jessica, “and ever since we opened our doors, the neighborhood and locals have been really supportive.”

The Reserve Retreat, 1322 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, thereserveretreat.com.

Pictured: Locally roasted coffed from Java Dawg and breakfast goodies abound at The Reserve Retreat. Photo Courtesy of The Reserve Retreat.