7 new restaurants and retail stores are opening soon at Bradenton-Sarasota’s UTC mall
Change is coming to the dining and shopping scene that is University Town Center (UTC), which sits on the county line between Bradenton and Sarasota.
Here’s what’s new:
▪ Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar. Expected to open this November in the West District at UTC, offering a wide range of margaritas, made-to-order guacamole, tacos and more in a 4,500-square-foot restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating.
▪ Yard House, a modern American restaurant and bar with more than 100 beers on tap. Expected to open in early 2023 on the corner of University Parkway and Cattlemen Road. Yard House will be open daily for lunch, dinner, happy hour and late-night dining. In addition to the craft beers and cocktails, the menu will offer shareable apps and popular main dishes such as street tacos, prime burgers, seafood and steaks.
▪ 3Natives Acai and Juicery, a fast, fresh and healthy food spot for cold-pressed juices, smoothies, acai bowls, salads and wraps, is scheduled to open late summer in the West District at UTC.
▪ Al Forno De Libano, a Lebanese-inspired concept featuring made-to-order bowls and pita bread sandwiches filled with your choice of shawarma, kebab and falafel is opening later this year in the West District at UTC.
▪ Kelly’s Roast Beef, a Boston-area staple for more than 70 years, will debut it first Florida location this November in the Square at UTC, 5207 University Parkway. While best known for the roast beef sandwiches, the restaurant will also offer fried clams, fish and chips, a lobster roll and more.
▪ Post Kitchen & Bar, a modern American bistro will feature an extensive wine and craft cocktail list, large raw bar, fresh seafood, steaks and salads,opens this summer in a 4,400-square-foot space in the the Shoppes at UTC, 7978 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park. The new concept is being introduced by the owner of popular Apollonia Grill.
▪ Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine, 8453 Cooper Creek Blvd., in the Shopped at UTC, is is moving a couple doors down from its current location into a bigger space.
New in retail:
▪ Christmas Tree Shops, opening 48,000-square-foot store in the West District at UTC, between Golf Galaxy and DSW. The home goods and seasonal decor destination is scheduled to open later this year.
▪ Paradise Grills, offering luxury outdoor kitchens, fire features, grills and patio furniture, and Perspire Sauna Studio, an infrared and red light therapy studio, are slated to open this summer on the south side of DeSoto Road in University Town Center.
▪ Elysian Fields, a locally owned book and gift boutique for conscious living, is coming to UTC with a new 3,000-square-foot store in the Shoppes.
Opened in recent months in the UTC District are gourmet cookie company Crumbl Cookies; Tiger Wood’s golf and dining experience PopStroke; locally-owned eateries Five-O Donut Co and Jersey Girl Bagels; gift and stationary store Gifts & More at The Paper Store; creative studio Board & Brush; and outdoor apparel store 5.11 Tactical.
