Business | East County | Your Observer

East County | Business

Louis Llovio
April 6, 2024

Tesla set to open UTC dealership by end of April

The electric vehicle manufacturer has built a 55,000-square-foot showroom and service center at University Town Center just off I-75.

East County
Business

Jay Heater
April 3, 2024

Big Top Brewing expands to Fruitville Commons with huge plans

The Sarasota restaurant/brewery targets mid-April for the opening of its 18,000 square-foot business on the southern edge of Lakewood Ranch.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Louis Llovio
March 26, 2024

Target to build large-format store near Lakewood Ranch

The retailer has filed for a permit with Manatee County to build a new store, nearly 25,000 square feet larger than its average store, at Marketplace at Heritage Harbour off I-75.

East County
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Lesley Dwyer
March 25, 2024

Center Point will add grocer, restaurants and more by summer

Chamberlin's Natural Foods and Bar Italia head the lineup coming to Waterside in Lakewood Ranch.

East County
News

Lesley Dwyer
March 24, 2024

Upscale sports bar opens in Lakewood Ranch

The Greyson in the Lakewood Walk plaza offers wall-to-wall TVs, later hours and food from scratch.

Arts + Entertainment
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Lesley Dwyer
March 1, 2024

Mexican restaurant Agave Bandido ready to debut in Waterside Place

The eye-catching artwork in the Mexican restaurant goes on display March 11 in Lakewood Ranch.

Arts + Entertainment
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Jay Heater
February 28, 2024

Willis Smith exec takes over as LWRBA chair

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Chair David Otterness says he will put new vision and mission statements into action and increase the nonprofit's advocacy in 2024.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
February 21, 2024

Former Mixon Farms owners begin new stage with food truck

Although Mixon Fruit Farms closed, life with the Mixons continues on a food truck.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Monica Roman Gagnier
February 15, 2024

The journey from one nail salon to a national brand

Lakewood Ranch residents Mark and Michele Schlossberg launched Paint Nail Bar nine years ago. It has since become a nationwide brand.

East County
Business

Jay Heater
January 19, 2024

Ed's Tavern opens its second Lakewood Ranch restaurant

The new building on Upper Manatee River Road hosted a soft opening on Friday before it opened to the public on Saturday.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Lesley Dwyer
January 9, 2024

Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi to open Lakewood Ranch restaurant Jan. 20

After years of delays, the Japanese restaurant is opening the State Road 70 location on Jan. 20.

Arts + Entertainment
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Lesley Dwyer
December 19, 2023

Lakewood Ranch entrepreneurs launch pickleball accessory brand

Pure Dink offers pickleball jewelry, bags, eyeglass holders and cocktail glasses.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
December 14, 2023

Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance puts focus on philanthropy

About 40 nonprofits showcased their services for alliance members at their last meeting of the year.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
December 13, 2023

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center hires new COO

Philip Reber's goal is to make LWRMC the hospital of choice for local residents.

East County
Business

Jay Heater
November 17, 2023

'Mr. Lakewood Ranch' lands big Business Alliance award

Keith Pandeloglou was named Best Rancher at the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance's annual Sandies awards.

East County
Business

Marty Fugate
November 16, 2023

Osteria 500 serves Italian food with Italian soul

The restaurant’s co-owner is grounded in Italy’s culinary past. He’s equally grounded in Italy’s inventive, creative commitment to the future.

Arts + Entertainment
Eat + Drink

Jay Heater
November 16, 2023

Two high school classmates reunite through their businesses

Samantha Albano and Gabriella Moss met in high school. But they reignited their friendship 10 years later through their businesses in San Marco Plaza.

East County
Business

Liz Ramos
November 16, 2023

New executive director brings fresh ideas for SMART growth

As the new executive director of Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Mark Hiser has plans to make the organization even more visible.

East County
Business

Jay Heater
November 15, 2023

The secret behind Albert Myara’s success isn’t so secret: It's hard work

Lakewood Ranch’s Albert Myara excels at business, but his No. 1 priority is his family.

East County
Business

Lesley Dwyer
November 15, 2023

Forked at Night expands into a nightclub at Waterside Place

The popular breakfast eatery is now a nightclub on Friday and Saturday nights.

East County
News

Lesley Dwyer
November 6, 2023

Bradenton couple brings personal experience to School of Rock

Gary and Kelley Falcon, who opened the new Lakewood Ranch music education school, have spent more than 30 years in the music business.

East County
Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.