Canadian entrepreneur to bring Italian-inspired bakehouse to Sarasota

For Tracy Calabrice, Sarasota was the perfect place to start her next chapter. The Montreal resident, who has spent the last 18 years as a teacher, is making a career change and opening Amalfi Bakehouse – an Italian-inspired bakery – in Sarasota later this year. The bakery has signed a lease on a 1,170-square-foot retail space located at 2139 Siesta Drive, a mile from the Siesta Key North Bridge.

Lauren Dixon and Cameron Wilson, CCIM, of Ian Black Real Estate represented Amalfi Bakehouse in the transaction.

“We were honored to help Tracy find the perfect location for this concept and pursue her dream of opening a business in the U.S.,” said Wilson, senior associate at Ian Black Real Estate. “This location offers strong visibility, accessibility and a complementary mix of nearby businesses, making it an ideal setting for a new concept and unique concept like Amalfi Bakehouse.”

Calabrice is moving to the U.S. through the E-2 Treaty Investor visa, which allows entrepreneurs to live and work in the United States by making a substantial investment in a new or existing American business.

The idea for Amalfi Bakehouse came to her during a visit with her mom in Englewood, Fla., last summer. The duo was out enjoying baked goods from a local bakery, and Calabrice was inspired to bring something unique to the dessert and cafe market. Looking to escape the cold Canadian winters and start her own business, the idea for Amalfi Bakehouse was born.

“I’ve always loved teaching, but I felt like it was time to make a change and pursue another passion of mine,” said Calabrice. “I thought to myself - why not take my passion for baking and my love of the Amalfi Coast and create a business that will bring something distinctive to the area?”

Amalfi Bakehouse will feature house-made cookies, cannoli, zeppole, affogato, and a full espresso bar, among other items, blending Italian traditions with an American twist. Signature baked goods will be crafted fresh daily, using premium ingredients sourced locally and inspired by the timeless traditions of the Italian coast.

The space will undergo a full buildout in the coming weeks, with plans to create a Mediterranean-style interior inspired by the Amalfi Coast. The design will incorporate mosaic tiles, vibrant colors and lemon accents to evoke the feeling of being on vacation in Italy.

“The idea for the bakery started with just cookies, and it’s grown into a full concept inspired by Italy and the feeling you get when you’re there,” said Calabrice. “We want every guest to feel like they’ve escaped, even if just for a few moments.”

Calabrice said Sarasota’s sense of community and mix of small town and big city feel ultimately solidified her decision to relocate and launch the business.

“Sarasota has such a strong sense of community, and that really drew me in,” said Calabrice. “Everyone I’ve worked with, from the Ian Black Real Estate team to lawyers, contractors, designers - they have been so helpful. When you’re opening a business in a different country, you want to feel supported, and I’ve felt that every step of the way. It gave me the confidence to take this leap.”

With construction set to begin soon, Calabrice is focused on bringing her vision to life – from the menu to the atmosphere – while building a team that reflects the welcoming, hospitality-driven culture she hopes to create.

“A lot of people think I’m crazy to leave a secure job and do this, but I see it as an opportunity to build something meaningful,” said Calabrice. “This is about more than just baked goods - it’s about creating an experience and sharing something I truly love with the community.”

Amalfi Bakehouse is expected to open in August 2026. The café will operate six days a week and be open on weekends, with a focus on an authentic and elevated experience for guests. In the meantime, Calabrice is sharing her experience opening the business – and pictures of her baked goods – with her followers on Instagram.

About Ian Black Real Estate

Ian Black Real Estate (IBRE) is a boutique commercial real estate brokerage firm located in Sarasota, Fla. The firm is one of the largest commercial brokerage firms in Southwest Florida and boasts a deep knowledge of the commercial real estate market in Sarasota and Manatee counties and the surrounding area. For more information, visit ian-black.com.