What is Bob's Train?

Bob's Train is an actual train... a circus train. In fact, it's the only circus train in the world owned by an individual (Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus is a corporation.)

It is also a restaurant. In time entertainments will be added. But for now, you can enjoy the vintage circus photographs and posters and Bob Horne, the owner and cook, who is a walking history book with expert knowledge of Sarasota and it's circus past.

In Bob's Train, Bob often has a joke, often at his own expense, a pat on the back or handshake. He is quick to offer the background story on the framed circus photographs and posters that cover the walls or other circus memorabilia. Frequent visitors might also have learn about his biggest circus collectors item, JOMAR (JOhn and MAble Ringling), the famed private train car of circus magnate John Ringling.

JOMAR is being slowly restored but until then, Bob's Train is open. It will ultimately be rolling down the track carrying passengers in the dining cars offering live entertainment from circus acts to jazz and chamber music. Some planned routes are from it's home base in Sarasota, Florida to Tampa for Buccaneer football games and to see the Gators in Gainesville. Bob presently has 4 train cars and plans to add a few more.

To meet Bob is to meet a man of passion, vision, dreams and the energy of 10 young men. He can throw together custom gourmet omelets and tell you ten stories at the same time without missing a beat. Later in the day he'll be busy at work on the restoration project in the train car Jomar. Oh and his co-cook and waitress is a trapese artist!