By Jane Bartnett
Siesta Key’s popular Bonjour French Cafe, in the heart of Siesta Village at 5214 Ocean Boulevard, said au revoir and bid a fond farewell to their many loyal customers. The popular breakfast and lunch bistro closed their doors for the last time in June.
“We want to thank all of you, our loyal customers and friends,” read a post on the Bonjour French Cafe Facebook page. “The place always tried to bring a part of France here in Siesta Key with French cuisine, fresh local products and family ambiance and atmosphere. All the employees are so proud to have served such lovely guests…. It is a sad situation for all of us, but you will stay in our minds. God bless all of you.”
French restauranteurs Marie and Thierry Zanon first opened the cozy eatery in 2012. New owners Thierry Raynal and Véronique De Stefani took over in 2018. “It’s been a great adventure,” wrote Thierry Zanon on the cafe’s page in response to customers comments after reading the news. “A heartfelt thank you to all our wonderful guests who were with us from the beginning and who have followed Véronique et Thierry up to this day.”
According to the website Realtor.com, the property at 5214 Ocean Boulevard, was built in 1971. At this time, Bonjour French Cafe was the only tenant. In 2022, the Siesta Sand reported that Benderson Development had purchased the property in December 2021 for $1.8 million. The mixed-use, two-story, eight room, four bath, red stucco commercial building stands at 7,826 square feet and sits on a .31-acre lot. Bonjour French Cafe occupied 2,141 square feet. LoopNet, the commercial real estate website, shows that the fully built out restaurant space is currently available for lease with five parking spaces.
As of mid-July, Zillow and Realtor.com show the former home of Bonjour French Café to be “off-market.”
Benderson operates and manages numerous commercial properties in the area including the University Town Center, The Landings of Sarasota Shopping Center on South Tamiami Trail, the Crossings at Siesta Key on South Tamiami Trail, formerly known as Westfield Siesta Key and the Siesta Promenade property, at the corner of Stickney Point Road and South Tamiami Trail (US 41). In Siesta Key Village, Benderson also owns the neighboring two-story commercial building at 5212 Ocean Boulevard. It holds four storefronts and offers parking for five cars.
Dining and Cooking