News Briefs

+ American Eagle commits to future mega mall
American Eagle Outfitters has committed to the Mall at University Town Center.

The apparel retailer, which targets young adults and teens, sells clothing and apparel items.

American Eagle joins anchors Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillard’s, which already have committed to the under-construction shopping center at University Parkway and Interstate 75. The mall is set to open in October.

American Eagle has thousands of stores and outlet stores across the country, including at Westfield’s Sarasota Square Mall and the Ellenton Premium Outlets.

“American Eagle Outfitters is one of the most popular and most requested apparel brands for young adults,” said Karen MacDonald, director of communications at Taubman Centers, which is developing the mall with Benderson Development.

Restaurants confirmed for the mall include Seasons 52, Fresh Grill and Wine Bar, and Brio Tuscan Grille, an Italian restaurant.

Taubman has said 50% of the 100-plus tenants will be unique to the area.

+ Half Shell Seafood House opens on University Parkway
Under a new name, Half Shell Seafood House opened in a new location on University Parkway Monday, Nov. 4.

The Mississippi-based restaurant, formerly called the Half Shell Oyster House, moved from Main Street in Sarasota to Manatee County, at 5231 University Parkway, in the former Red Elephant Pizza space.

The new name reflects Half Shell’s offerings besides oysters, including new menu items such as king crabs, snow crabs and lobster.

The menu still features favorites such as charbroiled oysters, fried green tomato crab cakes, po’ boys, shrimp and grits and gumbo.

The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Sarasota location opened in January 2012.

Half Shell joins other restaurants that have sought to capitalize on the East County’s growth, moving or expanding from Sarasota County, including Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine, Valentino Pizzeria Trattoria and Apollonia Mediterranean Grill — all in the Shoppes at University Town Center.

Meetings and Agendas
Manatee County Board of County Commissioners Land-use Meeting — 9 a.m. Nov. 7, at the Manatee County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County School Board Meeting — 5:45 p.m. Nov. 11, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County School Board Audit Committee Meeting — 4 p.m. Nov. 13, at 215 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton

Manatee County Planning Commission Meeting — 9 a.m. Nov. 14, at the Manatee County Administrative Center, 1112 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton