Whole Foods to Anchor Major Sarasota Square Redevelopment — A Retail Renaissance Begins in South Sarasota
SARASOTA, Fla. — Whole Foods Market is officially coming to the Sarasota Square redevelopment, marking one of the most significant retail announcements South Sarasota has seen in more than a decade. The upscale grocer will serve as the primary anchor for the first phase of the mall’s transformation, setting the stage for a sweeping shift in the region’s commercial real estate landscape.
🌇 A New Era for the Former Sarasota Square Mall
Sarasota Square — once a traditional enclosed mall — is being fully reimagined as an open-air, mixed-use lifestyle district integrating retail, dining, residential, entertainment, and community gathering areas.
According to developer filings and tenant announcements:
- Whole Foods Market will occupy ≈ 35,800 sq. ft.
- HomeSense is confirmed at 24,000+ sq. ft.
- Additional tenants include Charles Schwab, CAVA Mediterranean, Joe & The Juice, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and more service-oriented retailers.
The master plan calls for:
- 530,000+ sq. ft. of new commercial space
- 1,200 new residential units
- Walkable plazas, green space, and community-centric design elements
The redevelopment aims to elevate South Sarasota’s retail corridor, transforming a long-underutilized site into a vibrant, modern mixed-use hub.
Why Whole Foods Matters for Sarasota’s Retail Market
Whole Foods does not enter a market lightly. Their site selection consistently targets affluent, high-growth areas — and this new location signals a strong endorsement of South Sarasota’s population trends, income levels, and long-term commercial potential.
A High-End Grocery Anchor with Regional Pull
Whole Foods’ arrival instantly reshapes the trade area, drawing high-frequency, high-spend shoppers from Palmer Ranch, Gulf Gate, Osprey, Nokomis, and even Venice. Consistent daily traffic will benefit inline tenants and boost visibility for outparcels and pad sites.
Strong Momentum for Retail Rents & Land Values
Grocery-anchored developments traditionally outperform the market in lease stability and long-term value.
Expect increased demand for:
- Drive-thru and QSR concepts
- Coffee and specialty food users
- Health, wellness, and beauty tenants
- National retail co-tenants seeking proximity to Whole Foods
Landowners along US-41 and Beneva Road may see a notable lift in valuations as tenant interest accelerates.
A Signal of Investor Confidence
The commitment from Whole Foods validates both the redevelopment and the growth trajectory of the broader South Sarasota trade area. This is a catalytic tenant — one that encourages additional capital, accelerates leasing velocity, and attracts complementary brands.
What’s Next for Sarasota’s Retail & Mixed-Use Growth
The Sarasota Square redevelopment is poised to become one of the most influential commercial projects between Venice and Downtown Sarasota. Its impact will extend well beyond the mall site, creating fresh opportunities for:
- Boutique fitness and recovery studios
- Medical and wellness operators
- Hospitality infill and short-term stay concepts
- New residential density to support the surrounding retail
- Professional office and financial services
This redevelopment joins University Town Center and Waterside Place/Lakewood Ranch as one of the region’s defining mixed-use destinations.
Extended Reach Florida Insight
From a commercial real estate perspective, Whole Foods’ entry marks the beginning of a new growth cycle along the US-41 corridor. Developers, brokers, and landowners should highlight:
- Proximity to Whole Foods as a key leasing and marketing advantage
- Pad site visibility for QSR, drive-thru, and coffee users
- Flexible zoning that encourages mixed-use, residential, and service retailers
- A rapidly expanding trade area fueled by Palmer Ranch and South Sarasota population growth
This is more than a redevelopment — it is the retail renaissance of South Sarasota.
Contact Extended Reach Florida
Looking to buy, sell, or develop commercial property near the Sarasota Square redevelopment?
Our team tracks the region’s most active corridors — and can help identify prime pads, mixed-use parcels, and value-add opportunities.
Paul Rutledge – 941-228-2198
Zach Ellis – 813-493-3437
