SARASOTA, FL — A beloved Sarasota Italian restaurant is officially back in business after rebuilding from devastating storm damage, marking a feel-good local comeback with broader implications for restaurants, tourism, and commercial corridors across Southwest Florida.
Nonno Umberto Seafood & Steakhouse — formerly known as Le Colonne — reopens in St. Armands Circle this Monday at 5 p.m., nearly a year after severe flooding from Hurricane Helene forced its closure. Owner Simone Salustri led a comprehensive rebuild of the restaurant’s foundation, floors, plumbing, and electrical systems, welcoming guests back just in time for the new year.
A Resilient Comeback Story
The road to reopening was anything but easy. After floodwaters destroyed much of the restaurant, Salustri pivoted to a food truck to generate funds for reconstruction. Over roughly eight months, the truck logged nearly 20,000 miles and generated approximately $200,000 in revenue, all reinvested directly into rebuilding the permanent restaurant.
The restaurant’s new name, Nonno Umberto, honors Salustri’s father and reflects the family’s Italian heritage and culinary roots. With more than 25 years of experience cooking Italian cuisine, Salustri aims to continue serving longtime locals and visitors for years to come.
Why This Reopening Matters Locally
Positive Impact on Local Business & Foot Traffic
Nonno Umberto’s return brings renewed economic activity to St. Armands Circle, one of Sarasota’s most important walkable retail and dining districts. Restored restaurants help boost foot traffic, support neighboring shops, and enhance overall vibrancy—particularly during the winter peak season when tourism is strongest.
Restaurants like Nonno Umberto don’t just serve meals; they drive visitor spending and destination appeal, critical components of Florida’s hospitality and retail ecosystem.
A Story of Innovation & Resilience
Salustri’s decision to use a food truck to fund reconstruction illustrates the creativity and grit many entrepreneurs rely on to survive major disruptions. That strategy:
- Mitigated lost revenue during closure
- Maintained a visible community presence
- Funded critical capital improvements
- Kept customers and supporters engaged
This kind of adaptability will continue to shape how small businesses respond to extreme weather and economic cycles across Florida’s fast-growing markets.
Broader CRE & Retail Implications
From a commercial real estate perspective, successful reopenings like this:
- Reinforce the stability of key retail nodes
- Support lease demand for nearby storefronts
- Says a lot about the resilience and opportunity of St. Armand’s Circle.
- Increase daytime and evening walkability
- Build confidence among investors evaluating mixed-use and hospitality-driven projects
In walkable lifestyle districts across Florida—from Sarasota’s St. Armands to Tampa’s Water Street and Orlando’s Milk District—restaurants act as economic anchors that help keep neighborhoods thriving.
Community Support & What’s Next
The area has already seen encouraging signs of recovery, with nearby businesses reopening in recent weeks—another signal that momentum is returning to the corridor.
For Salustri and Nonno Umberto, the message is simple and confident:
“Here we go — like we never closed. We’ve been through hell, but we’re back.”
And their fans on social media responded with enthusiasm:
“Awesome! We are all looking forward to the Grand Opening!” – Jason C.
“Looks very beautiful. I can wait to visit you guys at the new place. Congratulations,” – Diana L.
“Wowwww. Number one in Sarasota” – Lorenzo T.
As the new year begins, locals and visitors alike can once again enjoy a restored destination for Italian classics and fresh seafood, adding to Sarasota’s reputation as one of Florida’s premier coastal culinary cities.
