• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App
  • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Longboat
    • Longboat
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Opinion
  • East County
    • East County
    • News
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
  • Sarasota
    • Sarasota
    • News
    • Cops Corner
    • Real Estate
    • Business
    • Neighbors
    • Schools
    • Sports
    • Opinion
    • Siesta Key
  • Arts + Entertainment
    • Arts + Entertainment
    • Eat + Drink
    • Arts + Culture
    • Reviews
    • Things To Do
    • Black Tie
    • Spotlight Partners
  • Things to Do
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Elections
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Sand Bucket List
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Business

Kuro Sushi, owned by Daniel Dokko, is set to open on Nov. 1 on Lakewood Ranch Main Street.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • October 8, 2025
New sushi restaurant brings multiple cultural influences to its menu

Restaurateur Daniel Dokko tests the Main Street at Lakewood Ranch market with Kuro Sushi, opening Nov. 1.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Myakka City's Bennett Simunovic, 8, wasn't expecting to fly out of the slide so fast, but he doesn't mind.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 30, 2025
Urban Air Adventure Park opens in Lakewood Ranch

The 60,000-square-foot facility is the largest Urban Air in the country.

  • East County
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch's Katelyn Diaz, 19, is studying business and learning through hands-on experience with Sip n Brew.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 27, 2025
New business owners connect with Lakewood Ranch through coffee

Sip n Brew, a new coffee trailer owned and operated by a Lakewood Ranch family, will be at various locations throughout each week.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Waxing Bye Felicia opened on Sept. 22, and owner Felicia Michaels began her day waxing the arms of one of her past clients, Stacey Oaster. Oaster drove nearly two hours for her services and says she plans to continue to do so.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • September 24, 2025
Waxing Bye Felicia opens in Lakewood Ranch

Felicia Michaels, owner of Waxing Bye Felicia, said it is her priority to make her clients feel comfortable and satisfied with her services.

  • East County
  • Business
Krista Brock is the artist behind this football photo op at The Green at UTC.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 17, 2025
Lakewood Ranch entrepreneur works hard and parties harder

Oh What Fun Party Co. is a small business with some big clients.

  • East County
  • Business
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is opening its SEA site in early October.
    By
  • Eric Garwood
  • September 15, 2025
New Mote SEA facility will open in early October

Members get first views on Oct. 6-7 and public on Oct. 8 at its aquarium located near University and I-75 in Sarasota County.

  • Sarasota
  • News
Rita Lewis, owner of Linger Lodge, has worked nearly every role in the house. Today, she's the heart and soul of the operation.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 20, 2025
Linger Lodge serves up a heaping portion of Old Florida

Rita Lewis shares the magic behind one of Florida's most storied and beloved riverfront restaurants.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Sara Stone has worked at the Market Street Lakewood Ranch Publix for 18 years.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • August 19, 2025
This Publix bakery staple has been creating confectionary delights for 20 years

Sara Stone is nearing her 20-year anniversary of doing some edible, yet mostly behind the scenes, work: creating and baking some of Lakewood Ranch's tastiest cakes.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Rob Anderson was named CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in April.
    By
  • Beth Luberecki
  • August 19, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center's new CEO brings experience to its expansion

Rob Anderson relocated from Texas to Lakewood Ranch to run east Manatee County's largest hospital at a critical time for the facility. He aims to manage the growth smartly.

  • East County
  • News
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • August 9, 2025
Peppercorns Steak and Seafood opens on State Road 70

Owner Justin Boudreau is eager to perfect the menu at the Bradenton restaurant.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Megan Matras are eager to open Jeff's Bagel Run in Lakewood Ranch. They will serve bagels, cream cheese, coffee and more.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 22, 2025
Jeff's Bagel Run to open in Lakewood Ranch

Lakewood Ranch residents Chris and Megan Matras are eager to bring the Jeff's Bagel Run franchise to Lakewood Ranch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lakewood Ranch's Michael and Gina Bohn try out a mattress at City Furniture's grand opening July 17 at the new UTC east district store.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 17, 2025
City Furniture makes grand entrance into Sarasota market

The chain furniture store holds grand opening ceremonies at its new store in UTC's east district.

  • East County
  • Business
Gorjana stylist Sydney Scovill and Taylor Lingreen, the store manager, want the customers to feel comfortable and beautiful when shopping at their store.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • July 14, 2025
California-based jewelry company opens location at UTC mall

Gorjana makes Sarasota its 106th location.

  • East County
  • Business
Eric Konovalov of The Goal Guide accepts the Volunteer of the Year award, the top award at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's Sandies.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 8, 2025
LWRBA sets up Small Business Bootcamp to teach important business skills

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance sets up a series of seminars to boost business skills.

  • East County
  • Business
The Lund family relocated from Wisconsin so they could more easily play in pickleball tournaments and for Matt, the new CEO, to take on running The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 17, 2025
The Pickleball Club at Lakewood Ranch reopens under new leadership

Matt Lund, who had worked under the previous ownership, says the business model has it right this time.

  • East County
  • Business
Jordan Arcari, 33, is the owner, operator and chef of Eatalia Market at Waterside. The products are imported from Italy and they offer fresh grab and go meals. Customers can also purchase other products such as wine, cheese and meats to cook authentic Italian cuisine themselves.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • June 14, 2025
Eatalia Market offers goods imported from Italy in Lakewood Ranch

Owner Jordan Arcari wanted to bring Italian culture to Waterside Place.

  • East County
  • Business
Flower Child is the last restaurant to open in Center Point at Waterside.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 28, 2025
Center Point at Waterside is fully leased

The 50-acre mixed-use project is six years in the making.

  • East County
  • News
Co-owners Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco design their latest restaurant to feel like a backyard.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 19, 2025
Twisted Pit BBQ opens on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

The Twisted Pit is Zach Zeller and Chef Evan Percoco's third establishment to open on Main Street.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lakewood Ranch Communities' Nicole Hackel was named the Young Leaders Alliance Member of the Year at the Next Gen Awards Thursday at Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2025
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance presents its Next Gen Awards

Lakewood Ranch Communities' Nicole Hackel earns the Young Leaders Alliance' Member of the Year award.

  • East County
  • Business
Tsunami's Sashimia appetizer mixes sashimi, crunch and color for a dish that's as fun to admire as it is to devour. The tuna tartare is artful and flavorful — wrapped in avocado, crowned with a quail egg and an edible flower and served in a savory ponzu sauce.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 16, 2025
Tsunami Sushi continues to evolve with menu items aimed to please everyone

Jeffrey Karasawa and Jason Klamson share their recipe for excellence at Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi Grill's Lakewood Ranch location.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Benderson Development has been growing the tenant base in the UTC area for at least the past decade.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 15, 2025
Check out what's coming soon to UTC

From Tesla to Trader Joe's, the University Town Center districts that straddle Manatee and Sarasota counties just outside Lakewood Ranch have redefined the region's retail scene.

  • East County
  • Business
Flower Child is known for its customizable bowls, wraps, salads and overall healthy menu.
    By
  • Abby Weingarten
  • May 15, 2025
New restaurant seeks local following with fresh-first take on casual dining

An Arizona restaurant concept popular with yogis, foodies and lots of health-conscious people in between choose the Lakewood Ranch area to make its Florida debut.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Zoto is being developed by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung.
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • May 12, 2025
Upscale Japanese restaurant and bar coming to University Town Center

Zoto is being developed by James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
L.L. Bean District Manager Kenon Mitchell holds the ribbon while Store Manager Jennifer Molloy cuts it as L.L. Bean Vice President Corey Bouyea looks on at the store's grand opening Friday in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 9, 2025
L.L. Bean opens at UTC in Sarasota

The Freeport, Maine retail giant opens its first store in Florida

  • East County
  • Business
The Juice Pod serves cold press juices, smoothies, bowls, wellness shots and specialty toasts.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 5, 2025
The Juice Pod is open on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch

After a series of setbacks, owners Tali and Jeremy Williams are up and running with the brand's first Florida franchise.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Kyle Schauenberg and Maria Luedeke are the cofounders of The Wellness Space and quickly connected after they met as they share similar careers and views on wellness.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 29, 2025
Self-care enthusiasts open The Wellness Space at Waterside

The Wellness Space, founded by internationally experienced practitioners Maria Luedeke and Kyle Schauenberg, will provide classes to nourish, explore, soothe and thrive.

  • East County
  • Business
Florence & the Spice Boys opens at University Town Center April 25.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 28, 2025
Florence & the Spice Boys opens at UTC

This is the second location for the Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant that started as a food truck.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Andy and Anna Mignery opened The Thrivery in February.
    By
  • Madison Bierl
  • April 25, 2025
New cafe brings pure juices, superfoods to Lakewood Ranch

Andy and Anna Mignery share their health journey by providing clean eating choices at The Thrivery in Center Point.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
131 Main is open in Lakewood Ranch's Center Point Plaza.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 11, 2025
131 Main now serving steak and seafood in Lakewood Ranch

The restaurant also features two bars, a wood burning grill, an indoor patio and original works of art.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
L.L. Bean has long been known for its rugged outdoors clothing, but the company says its first Florida store at UTC in Sarasota will sport plenty of tropical wear that the locals will love.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 27, 2025
L.L. Bean sees exciting new market as it opens at UTC

The store at 111 North Cattlemen Road in the University Town Center of Sarasota will be L.L. Bean's first Florida location.

  • East County
  • Business
Veterinarian lands honor of working at Nate's in Lakewood Ranch
  • By Eric Garwood
  • March 20, 2025
Veterinarian lands honor of working at Nate's in Lakewood Ranch

Dr. Sharon Pindar will be the first on-staff vet at Nate's Honor Animal Rescue.

  • East County
  • Business
Salads, bowls and wraps are on the menu at Flower Child.
    By
  • Elizabeth King
  • March 11, 2025
National healthy restaurant to make Florida debut in Lakewood Ranch

Flower Child offers a menu filled with fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
After a career in coporate, Peggy Kronus is her own boss now.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • March 5, 2025
Lakewood Ranch resident plans a new path

Event planning makes Peggy Kronus' heart happy, and now she's doing it for herself with a new business, PK Events & Services.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Local college presidents, from left, Michele Morgan of Keiser University, Brett Kemker, of the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, Dr. Larry Thompson of Ringling College of Art & Design, Tommy Gregory of State College of Florida, and moderator Mark Gordon spoke Feb. 25 at a lunch hosted by the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.
    By
  • Jim DeLa
  • March 3, 2025
Local college administrators tackle issues with the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance

Administrators say partnerships with local businesses strengthen the economy.

  • East County
  • Business
Miso-glazed Chilean sea bass is a specialty at Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House in Waterside.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • February 20, 2025
Family values, commitment to quality on the menu at Phelan Family Brands

CEO and co-Owner Grant Phelan discusses the family business, including its newest member, Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Urban Air Adventure Park location in Lakewood Ranch will be its largest in the country.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • February 17, 2025
Urban Air Adventure Park flies into Lakewood Ranch this summer

The 60,000-square-foot indoor adventure park is anticipated to open July 25 on Professional Parkway.

  • East County
  • Business
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 »
The best of Your Observer, delivered directly to your inbox

Get the latest in news, sports, schools, arts and things to do in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key and East County.

Sign Up

Latest in East County

1
Mike and Jenny Schenk have closed their Pineapple Kitchen location on Lena Road and are now marketing their products on Amazon.
  • June 4, 2026
Pineapple Kitchen owners close store, move to Amazon
2
Isabella Cz, a rising sixth grader at Dr. Mona Jain Middle School, and Skylar Flandreau, a rising sixth grader at Martha B. King Middle School, take turns playing the ukulele during the Manatee Arts Education Council smARTen Up Camp.
  • June 4, 2026
Smarten Up Camp gives Manatee County students advanced arts opportunities
3
An aerial rendering of Premier Park's upcoming racket and aquatic center.
  • June 4, 2026
Residents receive little warning about Premier plan detours
4
Gabrielle Finnegan, chapter president of the Lakewood Ranch High School Future Farmers of America, checks out Lucy the cow with 7-year-old camper Luca Bellantonio.
  • June 3, 2026
Camp churns out important agricultural lessons in Lakewood Ranch
5
University Town Center is poised to welcome more than a dozen new tenants, Ikea this summer to Dick's House of Sport in 2027.
  • June 3, 2026
13 new retailers, eateries coming to University Town Center

App

Download the Your Observer app

Stay in the know with the latest local news. Any device, anytime, anywhere.

DOWNLOAD NOW

Contact

  • 1970 Main St.
  • Third Floor
  • Sarasota, FL 34236
  • Phone: 941-366-3468
  • FPN Verified

Extra, Extra!

  • Newsletters
  • App
  • Crossword
  • Contests

more

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Classifieds
  • Advertise
  • Rack Locations
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Options

sister sites

  • Business Observer
  • Jax Daily Record
  • Orange Observer
  • Accessibility Options
  • Copyright © 2026 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved
Sign Up for Daily Headlines

A daily dose of news from Longboat Key, East County, Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Sign Up for In Case You Missed It

A Saturday dose of the week's top stories from Sarasota, Longboat Key and East County.

Anytime. Anywhere. Observer.

From in-depth local reporting to real-time breaking news, stay connected to the stories shaping our community with the Your Observer app.

Download Now for Free