Turns a young women’s dream of owning a restaurant into reality by keeping his promise

Sarasota, FL, November 11, 2024 — Bob Kirscher has sold his interest in all three The Broken Egg restaurants. The Sarasota Clark Rd. location retains The Broken Egg name while Siesta Key and Lakewood Ranch have sold to Another Broken Egg of Louisiana. Although Kirscher has retired from his role as successful restaurant owner, he will remain a steward of the community for years to come.

“There is much comfort in my departing, as I know I am leaving the The Broken Egg in good hands with my dear friend and former partner Dawn Hair to carry on the tradition in Sarasota on Clark Road,” said Bob Kirscher

The Broken Egg lovers need not worry, they may still get their fix of a warm smile, beautiful atmosphere and those plate-filled homemade sweet buttermilk pancakes in Sarasota. Now, Clark Road General Partner Dawn Hair, who opened both the Lakewood Ranch and Clark Road locations, was made a promise by Kirscher years ago that if he ever sold The Broken Egg, Hair would have first right of refusal and protection if he sold Siesta Key and Lakewood Ranch. Kirscher kept that promise despite difficult negotiations with Another Broken Egg and Hair now owns the Clark Road location.

“I began in the restaurant industry at age 14 and always dreamed of having my own restaurant someday—something to leave my children,” said Dawn Hair, General Partner of The Broken Egg.  “Bob has made my dream a reality.”

Kirscher spent many years as a restaurateur; 11 years with Howard Johnson’s and four years with the Denny’s chain. He owned seven different restaurants, all of which are still in business. Kirscher describes himself as having “a true passion for the restaurant industry and community in which I live.” It was because someone noticed this spirit that Bob was given the opportunity to lease his first restaurant.

The Broken Egg started with the Siesta Key location in 1985. Kirscher purchased the Siesta Key location in May 1997, Sarasota at the Expo Center on Clark Road in February of 2010 and Lakewood Ranch in November of 2006. The three locations grew into a multi-million dollar success in combined gross sales.

Kirscher won numerous awards for his stewardship such as Tourism Leader of the Year, the Sharon Cunningham Volunteer Award, Voice of Sarasota Award and numerous “Best Breakfast” awards. He assisted non-profit organizations such as All Faiths Food Bank, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Make A Wish Foundation and The V Foundation.

Kirscher and Dick Vitale, famed ESPN college basketball analyst, author and member of The V Foundation board of directors, forged a partnership in raising money for a cause close to both their hearts. Vitale also continuously promoted his beloved The Broken Egg through twitter, Facebook and live broadcasts on ESPN.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my relationship with Bob Kirscher, The Broken Egg staff and meeting all my fans for so many years as I conducted ESPN commentary, TV, radio and print interviews from my ‘office’,” commented Vitale.

“I wish Bob and his lovely wife Pam all the best. They are beautiful, caring people that I admire and respect. Bob has a heart for giving and has helped me raise a lot of dollars for kids battling cancer through the V Foundation.”

Kirscher believed it was very important to support the area Chambers of Commerce and belonged to the Siesta Key, Manatee, Venice and Sarasota Chambers, as well as the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. He was an Exalted Leader of Elks Club, a member of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, the Sarasota-Manatee Originals and Visit Sarasota.

“I can’t think of a time when Bob was not the first person to come forward to help with a project. Bob is one of the best examples I know of a business owners who really cares about his community,” said Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County.