• 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

Chef Sellner’s culinary journey includes a stint as chef de cuisine and executive sous chef at the Mar-a-Lago Club.
    By
  • Marty Fugate
  • May 19, 2023
Pascone’s chef loves taking diners on a culinary journey

From fried spaghetti to French cuisine inspiration, Pascone's Ristorante Executive Chef William Sellner’s culinary journey is anything but boring.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Andrea Saputo Cox steps into her role at Gold Coast during a challenging time in the industry.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • May 19, 2023
Saputo family reaches its fourth generation of beer wholesalers

Andrea Saputo Cox confidently steps into a leadership role at Gold Coast Eagle Distributing.

  • East County
  • Business
The Peach's location on State Road 70 in Creekwood Crossing has reopened after a two-year hiatus.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • May 17, 2023
Peach’s in Creekwood Crossing reopens after nearly two years

The breakfast and lunch restaurant on State Road 70 was closed for nearly two years to the day because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Bloomin' Brands CEO David Deno says in May 2023 that Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will grow to 100 locations and incorporate design of new flagship location in Tampa.
    By
  • Louis Llovio
  • May 17, 2023
New flagship Fleming's steakhouse coming to UTC

A restaurateur is building its new 13,000-square-foot flagship restaurant in Tampa and plans to grow the chain to 100 locations, starting with a new location in Manatee County.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nikki Pelier Simon, John Simon and their daughter Ashley Sanchez are carrying on the legacy of this popular boutique.
  • By Emily Leinfuss
  • May 17, 2023
Scout & Molly’s new owners share their roots in fashion

When Scout & Molly’s former owner died last year, John Simon, Nikki Pelier Simon and their daughter Ashley Sanchez decided to carry on the legacy of this popular boutique.

  • East County
  • Business
Schnitzel, a zebra shark, was brought to Sarasota from an aquarium in Minnesota to be featured at the Science Education Aquarium
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 16, 2023
Mote prepares for the animals it will house in its new aquarium

As the infrastructure of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's new Science Education Aquarium is being completed, the aquatic creatures who will live there are being prepared to move to their new home.

  • East County
  • Business
Jennifer Currier, Jeff Kahn, and Laritha Burks
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • May 12, 2023
Consulting service seeks to empower at-home caregivers

Two certified nursing assistants have launched Senior Consulting & Staff Support, whose goal is to offer caregivers the resources they need to keep seniors at home.

  • Sarasota
  • Business
Ed's Tavern co-owners Bob Bender, Adam Myara and Albert Myara said the new restaurant will have the same menu and many of the same features as the existing one.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • May 3, 2023
Ed's Tavern to open a second location in Lakewood Ranch

The popular sports bar will open a 4,200-square-foot restaurant at the State Road 64 and Upper Manatee River Road intersection late this year.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Nikka Colorado and Courtenay Smith strike a yoga pose in their new Waterside Place studio.
    By
  • Lesley Dwyer
  • April 28, 2023
Shack Yoga + Fitness opens second location in Waterside Place

The Shack Yoga opened its second location after being on Central Avenue in the Rosemary District for the past 10 years.

  • East County
  • Business
Daniel Lubner is loving life at the new Clive Daniel store in Sarasota.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 20, 2023
Clive Daniel story can't be swept under the rug

The Sarasota interior design/furniture business has driven, and sometimes comical, Clive Daniel owner Daniel Lubner.

  • East County
  • Business
David Spagnuolo said he had never used a Marana rotary pizza oven before coming to the King's Corner at Legacy Golf Club. He said it is "odd, but helpful."
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 19, 2023
New cook revamps menu at Legacy Golf Club's restaurant

Former New England restaurant/bakery owner David Spagnuolo has brought pizza to the restaurant with hopes of bringing in more non-golfers.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
James Hugglestone and Kirk Bauer have received promotions to principals at Fawley Bryant Architecture.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 18, 2023
Fawley Bryant Architecture names new principals

Kirk Bauer and James Hugglestone are named principals at the Lakewood Ranch firm.

  • East County
  • Business
Nannette and Mark Cobb spent their lives working for other people, so they decided to go their own way and buy a toy store.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 5, 2023
Learning Express owners squish and slime their way to a new life

The owners of the new toy store in the Shoppes at University Center risked their savings to enter an industry that some view as failing.

  • East County
  • Business
Willis Smith Construction CEO and owner David Sessions looks back on 35 years with the company, and leading it through its significant growth.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • April 4, 2023
Willis Smith Construction CEO looks back on 35 years of growth

David Sessions has led the Lakewood Ranch-based firm to its status as a giant in the building industry.

  • East County
  • Business
Yard House General Manager Richard Sauceda shows off his restaurant's huge beer cooler. Yard House opens April 2 at UTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 30, 2023
Yard House brings 110 beer taps, diverse food menu to Sarasota

The new restaurant at University Town Center will open its doors on Sunday, April 2.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Waterside Place, which hosts a weekly farmers market, has been growing. On Tuesday, the Black Dog store joined the retail lineup.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 28, 2023
Clothing store, Italian restaurant join lineup at Waterside Place

Black Dog and Osteria 500 have been announced to open at the Lakewood Ranch hub.

  • East County
  • Business
OnPlace staff members celebrating the company's one-year anniversary are Erin Steele, community relations, Sandy Friedman, business development, Monaca Onstad, president and CEO, Amanda Arnold, vice president, and Mackenzie Straley, director of community experience.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 21, 2023
Community lifestyle specialist spreads wings with OnPlace

Former SMR community relations director Monaca Onstad uses her Lakewood Ranch experience to enhance communities around the nation.

  • East County
  • Business
The Winn-Dixie grocery store at The Green in Lakewood Ranch lasted just over two years and is closing on April 10.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 16, 2023
Winn-Dixie in Lakewood Ranch to close April 10

Besides the regular grocery store, Winn-Dixie's liquor store also will close at The Green in Lakewood Ranch.

  • East County
  • Business
Scooter's Coffee will be located at 6625 State Road 70, Bradenton.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 14, 2023
Scooter’s Coffee targets late 2023 opening in Bradenton

The growing specialty coffee chain will open a location on State Road 70 just east of Manatee Technical College.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Lisa Caufield and Rose Braonea serve customers at Panda Express.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • March 7, 2023
Culver's, Panda Express, Slim Chickens move into Lakewood Ranch

The fast-casual menu grows in Lakewood Ranch with three new fast-food franchises now open.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The party is on at Rocco's Tacos in Sarasota as owner Rocco Mangel hosted an invitation-only party to celebrate the official opening that will come on March 6.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • March 1, 2023
The party begins at Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar in Sarasota

Rocco Mangel held an invitation-only party featuring tons of free tequila at the new restaurant at UTC.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Chef Swaran Singh (center) cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine. Owners Poonam Maini and Shubi Maini are on the left.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 23, 2023
Indian culture, kindness are key ingredients at Tandoor restaurant

Poonam Maini considers all the patrons at Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine in University Town Center to be her extended family.

  • East County
  • Opinion
Andy Guz leads by shining the light on staff and not on himself.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 19, 2023
As Lakewood Ranch Medical Center expands, it has a pro at the helm

Andy Guz, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, empowers his staff by providing what they need to do their best.

  • East County
  • Business
James and Misdee Miller continually try to find upgrades for the Sarasota Polo Club.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Sarasota Polo Club owners share what makes it so special

The game of polo has evolved over 2,500 years. Thanks to James and Misdee Miller, the sport lives on at the Sarasota Polo Club.

  • East County
  • Business
Nate’s Development and Fundraising Director Rob Oglesby with Rory.
    By
  • Mark Gordon
  • February 15, 2023
Nate’s Animal Honor Rescue puts final touches on expansion

The $12 million project will transform a pet rescue center into a world-class haven for dogs and cats.

  • East County
  • Business
Workers put the finishing touches on Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar that opens March 6 at UTC.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 15, 2023
Rocco's Tacos to open March 6 at UTC

Rocco Mangel hopes his travels through Mexico and California have led to an exceptional dining experience as he opens Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar at UTC.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Brian and Valerie McCarthy foresaw pickleball’s boom about five years ago.
  • By Eric Snider
  • February 15, 2023
New pickleball center gains a following

The new state-of-the-art Pickleball Club is the first indoor, pickleball-only club in the Sarasota-Bradenton area.

  • East County
  • Sports
The resort-style pool will be one of the main amenities at Wild Blue at Waterside.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • February 14, 2023
Wild Blue adds luxury homes to Waterside at Lakewood Ranch

Stock Development emphasizes the natural setting as sales begin this spring in the 500-home village.

  • East County
  • Business
The steak frites features chimichurri Sauce and french fries.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 31, 2023
Post Kitchen and Bar in Sarasota puts a new twist on old favorites

The restaurant at The Shoppes at University Town Center features seafood and craft cocktails.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Outgoing Chair Allison Imre hands over the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance gavel to new Board Chair Erik Hanson.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • January 30, 2023
Growing Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance names new board chair

Erik Hanson says that the growth of the LWRBA and affordable housing are two priorities for the board in 2023.

  • East County
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch veterinary hospital undergoes expansion
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 26, 2023
Lakewood Ranch veterinary hospital undergoes expansion

Dr. Wendy Ellis says the 11,790-square-foot expansion serves a need in the area by bringing together different area specialists.

  • East County
  • Business
Owen's Fish Camp is expected to open at Center Point in Lakewood Ranch in March.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • January 6, 2023
Owen’s Fish Camp plans March opening in Lakewood Ranch

Supply shortages have delayed the opening of the Old Florida seafood restaurant, which will be an anchor of the Center Point development.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
Jerry Dakin, the owner of Dakin Dairy, says the farm still needs new roofs and repairs to its cooling system.
    By
  • Liz Ramos
  • December 29, 2022
Dakin Dairy owner says farm will be challenged to survive after Ian

The Myakka dairy farm prepares for an uphill climb in 2023 as it tries to increase its herd and repair damages from the hurricane.

  • East County
  • Business
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announced on Wednesday that it would build a $120 million, five-story tower on its Lakewood Ranch campus to expand services.
    By
  • Jay Heater
  • December 21, 2022
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center announces expansion

The hospital will build a $120 million, five-story, 60-bed tower on its Lakewood Ranch campus.

  • East County
  • News
Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi's new location is at 11627 E. State Road 70, Lakewood Ranch.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 19, 2022
Tsunami Sushi targets late January opening in Lakewood Ranch

Construction delays resulted in the postponement of the restaurant's planned October opening on State Road 70.

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Eat + Drink
The store provides for the needs of children in the foster care system.
    By
  • Ian Swaby
  • December 8, 2022
The Twig of Bradenton offers extra holiday gifts to foster children

The nonprofit gives the children extra regular shopping items, along with games and a gift card.

  • East County
  • Business
« 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 »
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