Michael’s On East will assume daily operations of Selby House Cafe beginning Dec. 11, 2015.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens has announced a new partnership with premier restaurateur and caterer, Michael’s On East. The partnership names Michael’s as the exclusive food service provider at Selby Gardens and is also the foundation for enhanced banquet and dining facilities at the Gardens to be anchored by the restaurant group.
“We feel we’ve found the right partner to work with to establish Selby Gardens as a premier waterfront event and dining destination,” said Jennifer O. Rominiecki, president and CEO of Selby Gardens. “This arrangement also creates a sustainable – and enhanced – revenue stream for the organization, which our trustees agree is a strategic priority.”
Beginning in December, the Michael’s On East restaurant team will reinvent daily service of lunch and light snacks, including wine and beer service at Selby Café, which is set in the historic home of Marie Selby that overlooks the Gardens’ Great Lawn. Updated food service at the cafe will begin December 11. Also effective at the start of the month, Michael’s Events & Catering will be the exclusive caterer for all events, including weddings and corporate retreats, hosted at Selby Gardens. Finally, beginning in summer 2016, the restaurant group owned by business partners Michael Klauber and Philip Mancini will begin a substantial expansion of the Garden’s Great Room, which overlooks Sarasota Bay.
“Our multi-faceted and award-winning large-scale operation is uniquely positioned to welcome the challenge of reinvigorating the Gardens’ food service and catering operations and taking it to new heights,” said Michael Klauber. “Philip and I have been dreaming about developing a unique waterfront venue for years and can’t imagine a more perfect partner than Selby Gardens.”
The expansion of the building will double the indoor seating, with room for up to 400 guests. The renovation includes growing the outdoor patio from 880 square feet to 2,400 square feet and covering it with an awning to create a new entertaining space. A total remodel of the current kitchen is also called for, along with new restrooms. Concept details for this reinvented banquet facility are expected to be released by the summer of 2016.
“Thanks to Michael’s, Selby Gardens will be able to offer the best food and best service to everyone who visits, from day trippers to wedding parties,” Rominiecki said. “This is just the beginning of many opportunities we see.”
Klauber and Mancini look forward to establishing the new on-premise operations and exploring additional ways to utilize the 15-acre property on Palm Avenue, such as pop-up table service dining events, in the future.
“We have enjoyed the great privilege of working closely with the Selby Gardens team for nearly three decades on a variety of events,” Mancini said. “Through this newly-established formal partnership, our leadership is prepared to take Selby Gardens to the next level and ensure the property becomes the region’s premier waterfront event destination. Stay tuned as future events at Selby Gardens are going to be—even more—amazing.”