Bradenton restaurateurs buy ‘grand dame’ of Sarasota restaurants on St. Armand’s Circle

James A. Jones Jr.
·3 min read

Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “grande dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe.

The sale of the restaurant at 431 St. Armand’s Circle was announced in a joint press release Monday by the Hornes and sellers Julie and Ron Milton. The sale price was not disclosed.

The Hornes take over operations of the restaurant on Feb. 1.

“For us, the sale is bittersweet,” Ron Milton said in the press release. “Since purchasing this legendary restaurant in 2016, Julie and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“However, with our recent move to Pinehurst, N.C., we wanted to ensure Café L’Europe was left in great hands and with people who understand its rich history — people who can continue and enhance its great legacy. We believe the Hornes are certainly the people to do just that,” Milton said.

The Café L’Europe was founded in 1973 by restaurateurs Titus Letschert and Norbert Goldner.

“Amanda and I consider it an immense honor to be entrusted with the rich culinary legacy of Café L’Europe,” John Horne said in the release. “Much hard work has been invested over nearly 50 years by an illustrious group of local culinary titans such as founders Titus Letschert and Norbert Goldner, former managers Michael Garey and Bill Herlihy, plus former chefs Ray Arpke, J.P. Knaggs, Harry Christensen, and Bob Fracalossy, and long-time chef Rolando Casillas and Executive Chef Nick Sammelman.

“I am thrilled to work with Nick Sammelman, the restaurant’s talented executive chef. His vision to reignite culinary innovation on St. Armand’s Circle through cutting edge techniques steeped in classic tradition, will be a feast for the senses that diners will not want to miss,” Horne said.

House specialties at Café L’Europe s include Dover Sole Meuniere, Chateaubriand and Shrimp Pernod served tableside, Potato-Crusted Grouper, and French Onion Soup served in an onion.

The front section of Café L’Europe was the original sales office for John Ringling.

This year will mark 40 years of experience in Manatee County’s hospitality industry for John Horne, who began his career working summers at Fast Eddie’s Place while completing his business degree at Clemson University. In 1995, John opened his first restaurant, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, on the City Pier in Anna Maria, and celebrated the brand’s 25th year in 2020.

He serves as vice chairman of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and is chairman of the board of Leadership Florida. Amanda Horne oversees marketing and community relations for the Horne Hospitality Group. She works to encourage inclusivity in the community and has spent her career championing for access to educational opportunities.

The Hornes received the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2018 for their work with their Dive into Reading program, a Summer Grade Level Reading program for Title I schools in Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties now entering its sixth summer.

In 2021, they were recipients of the Manatee Chamber’s Bob P. Bartz Award for Outstanding Leadership as well as the Pace Center for Girls Statewide Believing in Girls Award for their years of dedication to girls including co-chairing a $6 million capital campaign.

Julie and Ron Milton lived in Sarasota for more than 20 years. Ron Milton owned various high-end car dealerships throughout these years, and in 2007, the couple purchased Sarasota Scene magazine. The Miltons served as co- publishers and Julie Milton also served as executive editor. They sold the magazine in 2019.

In addition to owning Café L’Europe, the Miltons purchased and renovated the Magnolia Inn, a 10-room historic inn built in 1896 in Pinehurst, N.C., and opened a fine dining restaurant at the Magnolia Inn called Villaggio Ristorante & Bar. The Miltons recently sold both the inn and restaurant to Pinehurst Resort.

Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle.
Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle.
Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle.
Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle.
Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle.
Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle.
Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle. Shown above are the sellers, Julie and Ron Milton.
Bradenton restaurateurs and philanthropists Amanda and John Horne, owners of four Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurants, have acquired the “Grande Dame” of Sarasota restaurants, Cafe L’Europe on St. Armand’s Circle. Shown above are the sellers, Julie and Ron Milton.