Lakewood Ranch’s Main Street keeps evolving

RICHARD DYMOND

Main Street, one of the most popular features of Lakewood Ranch, has evolved over the years and continues to do so. When ground was broken for Main Street, it was dubbed the “heart” of Lakewood Ranch, because it would bring unique dining, entertainment and shopping to the community. One of the anchors continues to be the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, which brings first-run movies, as well as art films and international offerings that are rarely shown in mainstream movie houses.

The three newest additions to Main Street are Good Earth Natural Foods , an independent and locally owned business that features nutritional supplements, including vitamins, herbs and sports nutritional products, organic produce, natural food products, and bulk foods; Katy Rose Oilery and Big Olaf Ice Creamery.

Big Olaf, with its homemade ice cream, is located near Starbucks, which continues to be one of the busiest locales on the street, according to Main Street officials.

Also popular among relatively new additions are Paris Bistrot and Ed’s Tavern, right next to Lakewood Ranch Cinemas.

“It’s a great burger place with other offerings, too,” Candice McElyea, a spokeswoman for Schroeder-Manatee Ranch, Lakewood Ranch’s developer, said of Ed’s Tavern.