• Alternate Text

  • Loading

  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • 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
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • 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
  • LWR Life
  • Galleries
  • More
    • More
    • Hurricane Season
    • Red Tide Map
    • Health Observed
    • Sand Bucket List
    • Calendar
    • Celebrations
    • Contests
    • Tributes
    • Submit a Celebration
    • Submit a Tribute
    • Public Notices
    • Classifieds
  • Holiday Gift Guide
  • Health Observed
  • Crossword
  • Contests
  • Newsletters
  • e-Newspaper App

East County | Business

Trader Joe's held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 26, 2023
Trader Joe's opens at University Town Center

The popular grocery store chain held a grand opening Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at University Town Center.

  • East County
  • Business
REI Co-op announced earlier that year that it planned to open a store in the UTC area.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 24, 2023
Outdoor retailer REI sets mid-November opening at UTC

The Seattle-based outdoor gear and clothing brand's other store on the west coast of Florida is in Tampa.

  • East County
  • Business
Fuego Comida & Tequila Lounge is open in The Green shopping center.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 21, 2023
Upscale Mexican cuisine comes to Lakewood Ranch

Fuego Comida & Tequila Lounge in The Green will celebrate its opening on Day of the Dead on Nov. 1.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Shoppes at University Town Center in east Manatee county will soon be home to a Trader Joe's.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • October 20, 2023
Trader Joe's opens Oct. 26 in The Shoppes at UTC

California-based grocer Trader Joe’s is known for its signature food items and loyal following.

  • East County
  • Business
Lynn Meder is the owner of Uniquely Yours in Myakka City.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 13, 2023
Jewelry store Uniquely Yours opens in Myakka City

The shop sells handcrafted jewelry, hats, bird feeders and anything owner Lynn Meder is inspired to create.

  • East County
  • Business
Ruth's Chris Steak House is the first of several restaurants to open before the end of the year.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 10, 2023
New restaurants opening in Lakewood Ranch, East County

Ruth's Chris Steak House was the first of several new restaurants set to open before the end of the year.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Ruth's Chris Steak House opened Tuesday at the Center Point development in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • October 3, 2023
Ruth's Chris Steak House opens in Lakewood Ranch

The nation's largest steakhouse chain has opened a restaurant in the Center Point development.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The Good Liquid Distilling Company will offer tours of the distillery in the future.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • October 1, 2023
Good Liquid opens distillery, cocktail bar at Waterside Place

Handcrafted cocktails are produced from spirits, syrups and foams that are made from scratch.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jenny and Mike Schenk, co-owners of Bradenton-based Pineapple Kitchen, recently announced an expansion of the murder-mystery part of the company.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • October 1, 2023
Murder mystery show plans hotel expansion in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch

Pineapple Kitchen, a culinary and hospitality business based outside Lakewood Ranch, is expanding its murder mystery shows to meet rapidly growing demand.

  • Arts + Culture
The Original Rainbow Cone, a five-flavored ice cream cone, is set to debut its first franchise location outside of Illinois in Bradenton.
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • September 22, 2023
Popular Chicago ice cream shop to open in east Bradenton

The nearly century-old Chicago business is known for its five-flavor ice cream cone named the Rainbow Cone.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Neil, an American Bulldog, runs straight to Donte's Den Director of Operations Sean Hill. Neil was born deaf, so Hill said he needs a special kind of owner.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 18, 2023
Dogs become part of the family at Donte's Den Foundation in Myakka

Donte's Den is an animal sanctuary that also provides low-cost pet care to members of the military and first responders who are deployed.

  • East County
  • Business
Mark Hiser, the new executive director at Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, has been around horses his whole life. He looks forward to taking on his new role.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • September 13, 2023
Riding therapy nonprofit welcomes new executive director

Mark Hiser wants to use his experience of working with "misfit horses" to expand the programming at Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy.

  • East County
  • Business
Carrie Leitzman is selling Truman's Tap & Grill to spend more time with her family.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • September 4, 2023
Truman's generous goodbye to Lakewood Ranch

After serving the Lakewood Ranch area for 11 years, Truman's Tap & Grill is closed as of Sept. 1.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Carol Hayes cleaning up the inside of Coastal HoBo
    By
  • Amanda Postma
  • September 2, 2023
Local businesses encouraged to take damage survey

The survey asks for both physical and economic damages caused by Hurricane Idalia.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
New pizza restaurant opens in Lakewood Ranch
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 24, 2023
New pizza restaurant opens in Lakewood Ranch

Piesanos Stone Fired Pizza opened on the corner of State Road 70 and Lorraine Road.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
For Carrie Leitzman, co-proprietor, Truman’s is an extension of her home, a bridge to her community, and an expression of family values passed down across the generations.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • August 19, 2023
Spirit of giving sets this Lakewood Ranch family restaurant apart

For the restaurateurs behind Truman’s Tap & Grill, serving great food in a relaxed ambiance starts with family.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The “Grandma’s Sicilian” pizza is one of Michelangelo’s signature offerings.
    By
  • Marty Fugate, Su Byron
  • August 18, 2023
When you’re craving a slice, these local eateries bake the best pizzas

In Lakewood Ranch, the sky is the limit for pizza possibilities.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Those who come to Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch will now have more places to dine, shop and dance.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 18, 2023
Eatalia, The Wellness Space sign to join Waterside Place lineup

Agave Bandido, a Mexican-American restaurant, and the Deep Lagoon seafood and oyster house are expected soon.

  • East County
  • Business
The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Health-conscious cafe Pura Vida coming to UTC in Sarasota

The Miami-based cafe is expected to open in the UTC West District in the first quarter of 2024.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
John Breiner's Peculiar Pub on Lakewood Main Street will offer a large selection of draft beers.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • August 16, 2023
Peculiar Pub set to open on Lakewood Main Street

Former Ed's Tavern owner John Breiner returns to Main Street at Lakewood Ranch with another restaurant/pub.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Don’t miss the vegan heirloom tomato tarts at Owen's Fish Camp.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • August 15, 2023
New restaurants await your tastebuds in Lakewood Ranch

The Lakewood Ranch region is attracting a host of new restaurants, including those with popular followings in downtown Sarasota.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Shawna Hicks-Cranston, the owner of PostNet, says Mentor Connect benefits both the mentors and mentees that participate.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 10, 2023
Young professionals, mentors connect through LWR Business Alliance

Mentor Connect, an LWRBA Young Leaders Alliance program, brings mentorship opportunities that benefit anyone in the business community.

  • East County
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch High School junior Byron Simon, who launched Southernly Simon Apparel, hopes people like Parrish Community High's Makayla Chenard relate to his clothing brand.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • August 8, 2023
Lakewood Ranch high schooler launches clothing brand

Southernly Simon Apparel encourages mental health awareness and addresses other topics.

  • East County
  • Business
LJ Govoni, president of Fat Point Brewing Co., offers up a Keywaydin Island blonde ale at the grand opening July 28 at UTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 30, 2023
Fat Point Brewing offers pint-sized satisfaction at UTC

Sarasota's newest craft beer pub opened at a small, intimate setting on Cattlemen Road.

  • East County
  • Opinion
John Saputo's Gold Coast Eagle Distributing will supply all the beer products to the new World Champions Cup that will be held Dec. 7, 8, 10 at The Concession.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • July 21, 2023
Gold Coast Eagle Distributing lands major role at World Champions Cup

The Lakewood Ranch distributor will handle all beer provisions and sales at the international golf event hosted by The Concession.

  • East County
  • Business
Gwyn Ingham, the owner of For the Love of Reading, uses Orton-Gillingham methods during her private reading instruction with Scarlett Samson.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • July 18, 2023
Lakewood Ranch educator tries to make reading fun through new business

Summerfield's Gwyn Ingham uses her passion for reading and books to start For the Love of Reading.

  • East County
  • Business
The loft dining area is a nod to Sorrento, and the town's love of lemons.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 29, 2023
Osteria 500 set to open at Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch

The Italian restaurant will be fully open by the second week of July after a soft opening.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Ermanno Morrone has opened Morrone's of Arthur Ave., an Italian restaurant and deli, in east Bradenton.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 28, 2023
Italian restaurant, deli brings slice of New York to east Bradenton

Morrone’s of Arthur Ave. opened June 10 on 53rd Avenue East.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nancy Krohngold, owner of Nancy's Bar-B-Q, is bringing the restaurant back to downtown Sarasota after the Lakewood Ranch location closes.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 26, 2023
Nancy's Bar-B-Q will close in Lakewood Ranch

The restaurant is returning to downtown Sarasota after not being able to reach an agreement to renew the lease at Lorraine Corners.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Gabriella Moss and her mother, Silvia Costa, are 50/50 partners in Via la Casa.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 17, 2023
Via la Casa opens in Lakewood Ranch's San Marco Plaza

The multipurpose shop is a coffee and wine bar, art gallery, home decor store and event space.

  • East County
  • Business
Gary Blake is the owner of Adolfo's Italian Market and Pizzeria in the San Marco Plaza.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 12, 2023
Lakewood Ranch market pays homage to Italian roots

Adolfo's Italian Market and Pizzeria is making its mark at San Marco Plaza.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Ryan Langley Music School studio manager Ken Settlemyer and owner Ryan Langley are thrilled to see what the future holds for the new school.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • June 9, 2023
New Lakewood Ranch music school spreads musician's passion

With a desire to share his passion for music with others, Ryan Langley opens his own music school.

  • East County
  • Business
Owen's Fish Camp is now open in Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • June 1, 2023
Owen's Fish Camp opens in Lakewood Ranch

The new location features double the seats and a bigger kitchen.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Donations for the Pet Food Bank are growing at Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • May 26, 2023
Animal sanctuary's new food bank supports pets in low-income families

Farmhouse Animal and Nature Sanctuary in Myakka City hopes that by providing pet food and supplies, families will be able to keep their animals.

  • East County
  • News
CASTO Managing Director of Southeast Development Michael Chadwick talks to the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance about his company's many projects.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 24, 2023
More restaurant choices headed to East County

CASTO executive talks about his company's many development projects in the Lakewood Ranch area.

  • East County
  • Opinion
This bench in front of Linger Lodge was made from a slab of oak from a tree that was uprooted during Hurricane Ian.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 23, 2023
Linger Lodge restaurant perseveres despite setbacks

Rita Lewis launches into her first full summer at the quirky Bradenton restaurant and says business never has been better.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »
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
CEO Mike Bisaha says the new equipment will at least triple Big Top Brewing Co.'s beer production.
  • December 3, 2025
Big Top to open expanded brew house at Sarasota's Fruitville Commons
2
Mill Creek's Ilana Simone, who performs as Ilana Armida, has returned to her roots after living in Los Angeles to pursue her musical career.
  • December 3, 2025
Mill Creek musical artist continues to search for her audience
3
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Jason Huh has founded a few different companies, including Sodi Pop. Sodi Pop is now available in a healthy vending machine at the school for staff and students to enjoy.
  • December 3, 2025
Sodi Pop, billed as a healthier product, comes to Lakewood Ranch High
4
Marine Corps veteran Dale Cole lives in Greenfield Plantation and is a regular user of Manatee Moves.
  • December 3, 2025
Ride service for Manatee County veterans is on the move
5
Commissioners George Kruse and Bob McCann are on opposite sides of the AAA High School vote. Kruse voted in favor of approving the site plan, and McCann voted to deny the site plan.
  • December 3, 2025
Manatee commissioners have final say about new school but no real power

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 © 2025 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.

The Your Observer App is Here!

Get local news you can trust — now on your phone, tablet or laptop. Fast. Free. Easy to Use.
Stay informed, wherever you are.

Download Now