New Hospitality Group Launches in Downtown Sarasota, Aiming at Boutique Dining Experiences

The mantra that “bigger is better” has shaped the restaurant industry for years. The average U.S. restaurant seats around 75, with chains like Olive Garden accommodating 130 people, as noted by Toast, a restaurant and retail point of sale platform.

However, restaurateurs Monte Silva and Mark Bodenstein are challenging this notion with their new venture in Sarasota, Ten Tables Hospitality. Their approach focuses on creating exceptional dining experiences through smaller restaurants.

Ten Tables Hospitality emphasizes quality over quantity. Their first establishment, Comida, which opened in June in downtown Sarasota, features a seating capacity of 53 with ten tables, embodying their concept of small-scale dining.

By reducing the number of tables, Bodenstein believes they can maintain consistent quality. They settled on Latin American cuisine after analyzing Sarasota’s culinary landscape, aiming to offer something distinct.

Signature dishes include made-to-order guacamole with hand-cut avocados and a variety of gluten-free options, focusing on healthy ingredients.

The restaurant employs about a dozen staff members and prioritizes “transformational hospitality.” Silva describes their approach as fostering authentic connections to deliver a unique dining experience.

Ten Tables Hospitality, established in December, also serves as a management and consulting firm for restaurant owners. Their goal is to explore several concepts while ensuring quality service through smaller venues.

With plans to expand Comida to locations in Bradenton, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater, Silva and Bodenstein aim to offer a “phenomenal guest experience” while allowing flexibility in their restaurant concepts.

Key Information

• Business Name: Ten Tables Hospitality
• Founders: Monte Silva (CEO) and Mark Bodenstein (COO and corporate chef)
• First Location: Comida, opened in June 2023 on State Street, Sarasota
• Seating Capacity: 53 seats, 10 tables indoors and 3 on the patio
• Cuisine: Latin American
• Approach: Focus on high-quality dining with transformational hospitality
• Expansion Plans: Additional locations planned in Bradenton, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater