Casually Elegant &
Decidedly Delicious
Welcome to a Flavorful Journey
Indulge in a culinary adventure full of delightful surprises. Life is too short for bland meals - savor the artistry on your plate!
In a world filled with flavors, let our dishes be the canvas that leaves you craving for more.
At Arts & Central, our story is a journey of dreams and a testament to family. Our vision for this restaurant has been nurtured over decades, and it’s founded on our commitment to creating a vibrant culinary community. We’ve dreamt of a place where food and drinks come alive with fun, freshness, and a refusal to be confined by any culinary boundaries.
Our story is one of exploration and discovery, a result of the Henson family migrating across the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom, falling in love with the power of food to inspire conversation, exploration and pure joy. Now, we proudly call Sarasota’s Rosemary District home, a neighborhood renowned for its devotion to local artists, artisans and passionate, caring residents.
At Arts & Central, our menu reflects this journey. We offer innovative shareable dishes, modern interpretations of classics and carefully curated tastings in collaboration with local wineries, distilleries and breweries. It’s a culinary adventure that celebrates the essence of our family’s story, the richness of Sarasota’s artistic community and the joy of savoring life’s simple pleasures.
-
Dan Henson-JR
MEET THE OWNER
Dan Henson Jr. spent his younger years bouncing around the Northeast, the Midwest, Mexico and the U.K. On this journey, he and his family developed a passion for meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning about their unique cultures and cuisines.
After graduating from Baylor University with a B.A. in Journalism, Dan decided to move to Houston, where he worked for several Fortune 500 firms, climbing the ladder of the commercial real estate industry. While living in Texas, Dan was able to explore the vibrant and incredibly diverse restaurant scenes of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and all the small towns in between.
After meeting his wife, Angel, and continuing to further their careers, the two of them would often fantasize with Dan’s parents about opening a restaurant. After a few years and some chardonnay, they had come up with the idea that would become Arts & Central.
Seizing the moment, Dan and Angel moved to Sarasota during the early months of 2022 to join his dad, Dan Sr., in the quest to make their restaurant a reality.
Through meeting several incredible Sarasotans, they found the perfect spot in a beautiful, historic neighborhood to open their culinary dream.
-
Erik Walker
EXECUTIVE CHEF
A Florida native with roots in both New Tampa and Lake Mary, Erik Walker began his journey in a vastly different world – aerospace engineering. After completing his Bachelor of Science at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida, he spent a year working in the realm of flight simulation. Erik then moved to California, where he was exposed to a plethora of new things, including a fresh new take on cuisine. Erik moved to California as an engineer and left as a chef.
In the mid-2000s, while exploring the vibrant LA restaurant scene with friends, Erik discovered a passion for culinary innovation and the joy of “playing” with food. Inspired by culinary visionaries like Heston Bluementhal and Ferran Adria, whose scientific yet whimsical approach to cuisine captured his imagination, Erik decided to transition from engineering to culinary arts.
Erik’s unwavering desire to work internationally led him to secure a six-month internship in Devon County, UK, working under the guidance of Michelin Star Chef Simon Hulstone at the Elephant restaurant. Upon returning to the US, he continued his culinary journey in Los Angeles, working for the acclaimed two-Michelin Star and James Beard award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti at Providence restaurant.
However, Erik’s journey eventually brought him back to his Florida roots. During this time, he broadened his horizons in the hospitality industry, gaining valuable insights into the business side of restaurants while working for restaurateur Ed Chiles. It was here that he not only honed his culinary skills but also found love and started a family.
Years later, destiny brought Erik together with Dan Henson and his son, Dan Jr. He’s now thrilled and privileged to join their team as the Executive Chef of Arts & Central, where he can continue his culinary passion while creating memorable experiences for guests.
-
David Gallagher
GENERAL MANAGER
David Gallagher was born and raised in Connecticut before relocating to Florida in 1995. He developed a deep appreciation for the state’s beautiful beaches and favorable weather. David has dedicated his career to the restaurant and hospitality business, driven by his passion for providing exceptional service to customers. Alongside his professional endeavors, he cherishes his role as a parent to his children, who bring joy and fulfillment to his life.
