A new private members club is coming to downtown Sarasota later this year—and it's got some big-time bona fides.

1000 North Sarasota will occupy the ground floor of the BLVD Sarasota building at 520 N. Tamiami Trail. The Sarasota location is an expansion of the original 1000 North club in Jupiter, which was founded by developer Ira Fenton and a slew of sports stars, including former New York Giant Tucker Frederickson, golf legend Ernie Els and basketball icon Michael Jordan. Serena Williams, Ahmad Rashad and Bryant Gumbel, among other notable names, are listed as partners.

For the Sarasota location, 1000 North's founders have partnered with local developer Kevin Daves, known for his work on The Concession Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences. Tim Fanning is the club's general manager and Alex Elshimy is its new-member director.

Fanning and Elshimy both have years of hospitality experience. Elshimy originally moved to Sarasota to open Seasons 52 at The Mall at University Town Center, while Fanning managed The Capital Grille, also at the mall. Both share a passion for creating memorable experiences for diners.

“Every interaction creates an opportunity for connection and magic,” Elshimy says. “It’s about the art of transforming spaces into sanctuaries, moments into memories, and service into an everlasting legacy.”

Their new endeavor will occupy a 13,000-square-foot space, with a 200-person seating capacity. Elshimy describes it as having the exclusivity of a private club with the vibrancy of a supper club. Menu highlights include steaks, seafood and seasonal menus, plus a wine program featuring private lockers and personalized sommelier services. “I can already see our guests showing their wines off to each other,” Fanning says. “We're going to be able to create some dynamic dining experiences and club experiences.”

So how much does joining 1000 North Sarasota cost? Elshimy and Fanning won't reveal the club’s membership rates. However, it's been confirmed that access to the lounge at 1000 North's Jupiter location requires a $5,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual fee—$10,000 in total.

While the current space is still under construction, Fanning talks about it like it's already done. Leading a tour through the bare concrete building, he points out where a grand piano will rest in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows along North Tamiami Trail, close to the bar area, which is overlooked by an upstairs mezzanine. 

He even imagines leading members through the 2,000-square-foot kitchen for a sneak peek. “Imagine you're like Ray Liotta in Goodfellas,  coming through the kitchen door,” he says with a chuckle.

Fanning compares his hospitality mentality to tending a garden. “It takes a lot of work. You need the right soil, you need the right sunshine, and all of these things, all of these components contribute to a bountiful end result,” he says.

Elshimy echoes those sentiments. “I’ve been passionate about crafting destinations that are not only sophisticated, but also the most talked-about places in their communities,” he says. “My skill set is rooted in creating seamless, highly tailored member journeys that make every moment feel effortless and unforgettable.”

And through their shared obsession with hospitality, Fanning and Elshimy have forged a strong professional relationship.

“I've seen Alex do things out of the ordinary his whole career,” Fanning says. “I hope he can say the same for me.”

Elshimy does, calling Fanning “extremely talented and passionate.”

“It's almost like we can't dream big enough,” Fanning says.

1000 North will be located in the BLVD Sarasota building at 520 N. Tamiami Trail. To learn more, call (941) 777-1000 or click here.