Open now and coming soon to University Town Center in Florida

This collection of stories showcases the latest dining and shopping destinations at University Town Center.

The diverse new dining options include a new steakhouse, as well as Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine.

The shopping hub between Bradenton and Sarasota also recently welcomed Florida's first L.L. Bean outdoor apparel store.

Read more about the latest additions to UTC below.

A Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse is planned at 8306 Tourist Center Drive in southern Manatee County.

NO. 1: FLORIDA-BASED STEAKHOUSE CHAIN SETS GRAND OPENING DATE IN MANATEE COUNTY. HERE’S WHEN

Steaks are the centerpiece, but there’s lots more on the menu. | Published January 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

Courtesy of Bulla Gastrobar INSTAGRAM / @bullagastrobar

NO. 2: RESTAURANT WITH MIAMI ROOTS COMING TO THE BRADENTON AREA. IT BRINGS TAPAS AND MORE

The menu offers dozens of shareable plates. | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

L.L. Bean, a popular outdoor and recreation store, announced a grand opening date for its first Florida store. The 17,000-square-foot store at 111 North Cattleman Road, in University Town Center’s West District, will open on May 9, 2025. By Provided photo

NO. 3: L.L. BEAN ANNOUNCES OPENING DATE NEW STORE AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER

The popular outdoor retailer has been around for more than 100 years. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

After being closed for 47 days because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Mall at University Town Center reopened at 11 a.m. Wednesday. By James A. Jones Jr.

NO. 4: 12 NEW BUSINESSES ARE COMING TO THIS BRADENTON-AREA SHOPPING CENTER

They include restaurants and furniture stores. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

The harissa shrimp bowl at Florence and the Spice Boys in the UTC Mall on April 25, 2025. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 5: NEW BRADENTON-AREA RESTAURANT SERVES UP MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE. LOOK INSIDE

It all started with a food truck. | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

Rita’s Italian Ice is planned for Shoppes at University Town Center in Manatee County. This is the shop at the Lakewood Ranch Gateway Shopping Center on Feb. 24, 2025. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 6: RITA’S ITALIAN ICE OPENS ANOTHER SHOP SELLING FROZEN TREATS IN MANATEE COUNTY

Rita’s Italian Ice recently opened its Shoppes at University Town Center store. | Published September 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, are one of the entrees at Zōtō, a Japanase bar/tavern at the University Town Center set to open Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025. By provided

NO. 7: NEW JAPANESE RESTAURANT LED BY MICHELIN CHEF OPENS AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER

University Town Center’s newest restaurant officially opens Wednesday. | Published October 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

Executive chef Atsushi Okawara is leading Yūgen Omakase, a 10-seat, reservation-only chef’s counter opening in Sarasota’s University Town Center in December 2025.

NO. 8: A JAPANESE CHEF’S CHOICE DINING EXPERIENCE IS COMING TO UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER

The second phase of James Beard-nominated restaurateurs Jimmy and Johnny Tung’s plan at the University Town Center is nearing an opening date. | Published November 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.