A new Sarasota development housing one of the nation’s most popular grocery chains will also include several other big-name businesses, ranging from a beloved fast-casual restaurant to a trendy eyewear retailer.
The first phase of Sarasota Square — the mixed-use project at the intersection of Beneva Road and Tamiami Trail developed by Torburn Partners to reinvent the former indoor shopping mall into a walkable town center accompanied by 1,200 residences — is 88% pre-leased.
That phase, which the Herald-Tribune previously reported will include a Whole Foods Market, is projected to start opening in the first quarter of 2027.
To celebrate, Torburn Partners and Jamestown, a global real estate investment and management company overseeing leasing on the site, unveiled details on May 14 about the second phase.
“With Phase One nearly fully leased and construction well underway, the vision is no longer abstract — it’s becoming real,” Michael Burns, CEO of Torburn Partners, said in a prepared statement.
“Phase Two will take that ambition further, creating the kind of walkable, experience-driven environment that Sarasota has been waiting for and that today’s consumer actively seeks out.”
What retailers are confirmed for Sarasota Square?
Whole Foods Market, the Austin, Texas-based grocer known for fresh and local produce, organic ingredients and high-quality items, is a highly anticipated anchor tenant.
Other familiar businesses revealed in Phase One include Chipotle Mexican Grill, CAVA, Charles Schwab, HomeSense, and Joe & the Juice.
Popular American eyewear brand and retailer Warby Parker signed a lease on a 2,040-square-foot space next to Whole Foods, a move that meant 88% of 90,000 square feet of space is pre-leased.
Those businesses will join existing retailers JCPenney and Costco on the southern portion of the parcel.
What’s next for Sarasota Square?
That next phase consists of 160,000 square feet of street-oriented retail, dining and community-focused outdoor space.
That’s where Sarasota Square will showcase a sense of place with activities and retailers that will help define the mixed-use lifestyle center.
The renderings show a careful balance of Mediterranean-influenced architecture and lush landscaping defining open gathering spaces connected by shaded pedestrian walkways.
The phase is designed around a central lawn built for hosting events, outdoor dining, and everyday gathering.
It is expected to open at the end of 2028.
Merchants will include premier fashion, while restaurants will showcase notable chefs and their cuisine.
“Sarasota Square represents a rare opportunity to curate a next-generation retail and dining environment in one of Florida’s most compelling coastal markets,” Adam Schwegman, head of retail leasing at Jamestown, said in a prepared statement. “With Phase Two, we’re targeting operators that deliver a sense of discovery and a unique point of view.
“The early response from prospective tenants has been incredibly strong, reinforcing our belief that this will become a true community destination centered around experience, connection, and everyday use.”
What’s the latest news on the new homes?
Torburn Partners recently completed the sale of 4.5 acres to Woodfield Development for the construction of a 360-unit rental complex with a parking garage.
Plans call for groundbreaking later this summer.
For more information about Sarasota Square, visit the newly launched sarasotasquare.com.
Earle Kimel primarily covers local governments in Sarasota County as well as land development and environmental issues for the Herald-Tribune. Follow him on Facebook, and X. He can be reached by email at earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Popular restaurants, retailers to join Whole Foods at Sarasota Square
Reporting by Earle Kimel, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
