New Sarasota-based Restaurant to Survive with Bridge Loan

Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen of Sarasota County

After being the head chef at his family’s restaurant in Nokomis for more than 15 years, Rolf Zahnd owner and operator of Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen, was looking forward to opening his own restaurant in Sarasota. Shortly after opening New Florida Kitchen in May, Red Tide arrived. This presented a unique challenge for an upscale restaurant specializing in locally-sourced seafood. With patrons hesitant to dine on seafood for now, Chef Rolf needed a way to get through until customers can return. He reached out to the Florida SBDC at USF to begin the process of applying for a State of Florida Emergency Bridge Loan.
When asked about his experience with the damage from red tide and the assistance received, Zahnd recalled:

WHAT TYPE OF DAMAGE OCCURRED?
Due to Red Tide, we have lost business because nobody wants to eat fresh Florida seafood.

HOW WILL THE BRIDGE LOAN HELP?
This loan will be helpful in getting us through this tough time and securing our
employees jobs.

HOW WAS THE FLORIDA SBDC AT USF HELPFUL DURING THIS PROCESS?
Absolutely great.