MANATEE — Several new businesses are opening in East Manatee, including a martial arts emporium and a Hampton Inn that is nearly ready to host its first guests.
Residents of The Concession Golf Club & Residences, a private club in a gated community, will soon see The Bistro at The Concession operated by Sean Murphy, owner of the Beach Bistro at Holmes Beach. The restaurant is expected to open early next month.
There’s also plenty of commercial activity at the malls operated by the Benderson Development Co. LLC. near the intersection of Interstate 75 and University Parkway.
A new Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/University Park is on the verge of opening at the Shoppes at University Center.
“It’s absolutely beautiful,” said Manny Oliver, general manager.
The new hotel has 102 rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center with showers and locker rooms, a pool and hot tub, 24-hour business center and a breakfast buffet included each morning, he said.
Nearby, a Pei Wei Asian Diner opened in September; a new, 26,000-square-foot Marshalls department store opened in October; and last month, a World of Beer store and a Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant opened, said Mark Chait, Benderson’s director of leasing. Opened just last week was a Kumon Math and Reading Center tutoring business with a John Dough Bakery planning construction adjacent to Total Wine, Chait added.
Other new businesses in the area include a new Kumo Japanese Steak House slated to open Dec. 10, with another restaurant, Red Elephant Pizza & Grill, set to open Jan. 18, he reported.
At Lakewood Ranch, Mama’s Pasta Bowl is expected to open in December at the Lakewood Walk Center. It will feature fresh Sicilian pizza and pasta for take-out, along with free WiFi.
Owner Denis O’Donnell said he liked the great location and the community attitude of the area.
Also at Lakewood Ranch will be a new martial arts business, Ming Wu Martial Arts. The martial arts emporium will be at Lorraine Corners, State Road 70 and Lorraine Road, and is expected to open Jan. 4, said Candice McElwea, Lakewood Ranch’s public relations manager.
“The owner has been recognized worldwide for his humanitarian efforts,” she said. “Ming Wu is the name of the martial art, it’s something he actually created.”
About Dec. 1, Lakewood Ranch Main Street will be the new home of Village Bikes, which is moving from the Lake Osprey Center.
“Village Bikes is such a great addition to Main Street,” said Julia DeCastro, property manager for Main Street. “We’re thrilled to have them here.”
Sara Kennedy, reporter, can be reached at (941) 745-7031.
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