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Let’s Celebrate! The Hurricane Season is Finally Over

Recent Restaurant Openings in Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota

This year’s hurricane season has brought unprecedented challenges to Sarasota and its neighboring towns. Hurricanes Helen, Milton, and Debbie delivered a trio of storms that tested the resilience of our businesses and communities. Despite the damage and delays, new businesses are opening their doors, showing the indomitable spirit of Lakewood Ranch as they bounce back and build for the future.


New Restaurant Openings: Fresh Flavors in Town

  1. Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar at UTC  – Opened in Sarasota on October 9, 2024.
    Tommy Bahama recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Marlin Bar at the University Town Center (UTC) in Sarasota on October 9, 2024. Located at 6562 University Parkway, this new addition blends a laid-back island vibe with a unique hybrid of dining and retail. The Marlin Bar offers a relaxed dining experience where guests order at the bar and have dishes brought to their table, a style that is different from traditional table service. The menu includes popular Tommy Bahama items like coconut shrimp, blackened mahi tacos, and ahi poke bowls, along with an array of cocktails, such as their signature Mai Tai and other tropical-inspired drinks. In addition to the restaurant, the venue includes a retail section with Tommy Bahama apparel, accessories, and home décor. Guests can enjoy live music during evenings and all day on weekends, adding to the lively atmosphere. This Marlin Bar marks Tommy Bahama’s latest expansion in Florida and caters to Sarasota’s coastal lifestyle with both indoor and patio seating. The space aims to provide a casual yet sophisticated experience that aligns with the brand’s “island life” ethos.​

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  2. Bar Italia opened its Lakewood Ranch location on July 13, 2024, in the Center Point Plaza at the intersection of University Parkway and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. This Italian eatery, launched by restaurateur Ricky Doody of NCR Ventures, offers a bar-centric dining experience with a menu focused on fresh, classic Italian dishes. Menu highlights include wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and signature cocktails like the limoncello margarita. The restaurant started with happy hour and dinner service, with plans to gradually expand to lunch service​.
  3. Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House – Opened on August 9, 2024, at Waterside Place, this upscale casual restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and offers both indoor and outdoor lakefront seating​.
  4. A Taste of Italy in Lakewood Ranch: Percoco’s Pizza & Pasta – Opened on September 1, 2024, on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch. Percoco Italian Restaurant is the latest addition to Lakewood Ranch’s dining scene, bringing classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Known for its handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list, this new restaurant combines Italian warmth with a chic, contemporary setting. Percoco’s successful launch adds a touch of Italian comfort to the neighborhood, inviting diners to experience authentic, homestyle cooking.
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