Humble Goat Labs

Lifelong patron Troy King takes ownership of the beloved drive-in, honoring its 70-year legacy while preparing it for the future.

SARASOTA, Fla. — The Original Hob Nob Drive-In, a historic Sarasota burger stand that has been part of the community since 1957, is preparing to reopen this spring under new ownership, marking a new chapter for the beloved drive-in while honoring the legacy that has made it a local institution for generations.

For new owner Troy King, the opportunity is deeply personal. A Sarasota local, Troy grew up eating at The Hob Nob as a child, continued visiting through high school and college, and later brought his own children to the same counter he once knew as a kid. While working on recent renovations to The Hob Nob, Troy learned about the chance to carry the beloved local brand forward. Troy sees this opportunity not as a reinvention, but as a responsibility to protect something meaningful to the community and ensure that a local landmark restaurant stays open for the next generation.

The Hob Nob’s recent history is closely tied to longtime owner Cary Spicuzza, who maintained the restaurant as a cherished gathering place for locals from 1991 to 2024. Troy hopes to work together with Cary on restoring the parking lot to its previous size, given Spicuzza’s ownership of the surrounding lots. In doing so, Troy wants to ensure continuity and respect for the restaurant’s roots.

When The Original Hob Nob Drive-In reopens, guests can expect a menu centered on old school drive-in classics. The offerings will include smash burgers, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, onion rings, and a beer program that will balance familiar national brands with rotating local craft selections. The focus remains on the Hob Nob’s long-standing values: quality ingredients, approachable prices, and classic comfort food or, as Troy puts it: good food at affordable prices.

Troy brings a background rooted in trust, service, and community care. A retired law enforcement officer, he approaches ownership with a focus on consistency, accountability, and long-term stewardship. The Original Hob Nob Drive-In will remain a family-run operation, with Troy partnering with his stepson Dimitri Syros and the team behind The Breakfast Company, to ensure the restaurant continues to feel personal, local, and welcoming.

The restaurant is expected to reopen by spring 2026, with final preparations underway. While an exact opening date has not yet been announced, the team is focused on being fully ready to welcome guests back when the doors open.

Community engagement will remain central to The Hob Nob’s identity. Plans include sponsoring local events such as classic car gatherings, bike nights, and other activities that bring people together, a continuation of The Hob Nob’s long history of supporting Sarasota traditions. The restaurant also plans to publish stories from its past as part of its ongoing connection with the community.

As Troy looks ahead, the goal is simple: to preserve what people love while creating space for a new generation to make memories of their own. For many in Sarasota, Hob Nob has always been more than a place to get great food at affordable prices: it’s a place to gather. This spring, that tradition continues.

About Hob Nob
Founded in 1957, Hob Nob is a historic burger stand and drive-in located in Sarasota, Florida. Known for its classic comfort food, affordable prices, and strong community ties, Hob Nob has served generations of locals for more than 70 years. The restaurant is scheduled to reopen by spring 2026 as The Original Hob Nob Drive-In.

Media Inquiries: Media interviews and inquiries will be coordinated through the Hob Nob PR team, reachable via info@humblegoatlabs.com

Date Posted: January 21, 2026