Bentley Franchise Set to Open in Downtown Sarasota by 2026

Luxury is set to elevate in Downtown Sarasota with the upcoming opening of a Bentley franchise on State Street, scheduled for January 2026.

Bentley Sarasota will debut in the current location of The Sarasota Studio, an upscale auto dealership offering brands like McLarens and Rolls-Royces since 2015. Operated by Dimmitt Automotive Group, the transition to Bentley standards will see significant investments at 1518 State St. Notably, The Sarasota Studio already features pre-owned Bentleys, including a 2025 Bentley Continental GT listed for $380,000.

Securing the Bentley franchise represents a multimillion-dollar investment for Dimmitt Automotive. The UK-based brand approached Dimmitt, indicating their desire for a Sarasota presence, according to CEO Scott Larguier.

“The manufacturer studies market demographics to determine dealership locations,” Larguier explains, highlighting Sarasota’s appeal.

Identified as a “marquee, high-net-worth city,” Sarasota aligns with affluent markets like Greenwich, CT, Palm Beach, and Naples, all of which feature Bentley dealerships.

Dimmitt Automotive operates 13 dealerships in the Tampa Bay area, including Bentley Tampa Bay, which has been in operation for about 20 years.

Larguier notes that previously, half of the Bentleys sold in the area were delivered to buyers south of the Sunshine Skyway, describing them as “the golf cart of Sarasota.”

Key Information

• Opening Date: January 2026
• Location: 1518 State St., Sarasota
• Investment: Millions by Dimmitt Automotive Group
• Employees: Initial 12, growing to 20
• Unique Sale Experience: Customization available for vehicles

Personal Purchase

A Bentley is not an everyday vehicle; with prices starting around $207,000 at Bentley Tampa Bay, these luxury automobiles are seen as rewards rather than necessities.

Larguier emphasizes that each Bentley serves as a personal extension for buyers, with customized options available for wood finishes and colors.

Dimmitt adds, “The fun comes from rewarding oneself after significant achievements, like selling a business, or dreamers who aspire to own one.”

Dimmitt Automotive President Peter Dimmitt echoes this sentiment, stating that buyers enjoy customizing their vehicles to reflect their style.

“There’s a great community in Sarasota that expresses personality through luxury,” he says. Dimmitt shares that even his mother has personalized her aquamarine Bentley convertible.

Transforming Space

With luxury cars comes the need for a luxurious dealership. Establishing a Bentley franchise involves adhering to brand-specific standards, incurring costs in the millions.

Larguier compares the process to other franchise models, noting that maintaining Bentley’s high standards involves a detailed method for the showroom’s look and feel.

While no structural changes are planned for the State Street building, updates to materials and aesthetics are to be expected according to Bentley’s evolving standards.

Dimmitt mentions that processes will also be enhanced to elevate the customer experience, including the introduction of a service concierge.

Initially, Bentley Sarasota will employ approximately 12 staff members, with plans to grow to 20 between the sales and service departments.

Atypical Setup

Unlike traditional dealerships, Bentley Sarasota will be located in a retail hub, with its showroom separate from the service center over a mile away.

Larguier likens the showroom experience to visiting a luxury store, emphasizing that they chose a central location for its vibrant atmosphere.

The showroom conversion to 7,000 square feet is slated for completion by January 1, 2026, while a 15,000-square-foot service center will be operational mid-2026.

Although off-site service centers are less typical, they are feasible, as seen in other markets like Chicago.

While Bentley vehicles are subject to tariffs from the UK, Larguier notes that manufacturers are actively shielding customers from these price increases, allowing selling volumes to stay on par with previous years.

Dimmitt Automotive is reportedly experiencing consistent sales despite economic factors, with indications of record sales volume in 2024 and ongoing growth in 2025.