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What’s new in Manatee’s dining scene? Open now and coming soon

Stories by Bradenton Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Manatee County’s dining scene is growing fast in 2025.

A former NFL player now serves 12 different cobblers and dessert shakes at the new Peach Cobbler Factory in Bradenton. On Anna Maria Island, Toasted Mango Cafe brings its award-winning waffle topped with mango and coconut. Where a Ruby Tuesday used to be, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse is now offering aged steaks and craft cocktails.

Healthy eaters have a new spot in Parrish as 3Natives opens with acai bowls, smoothies and vegan options. Meanwhile, the University Town Center area is set to grow with restaurants like Olivia, On Swann and Bulla Gastrobar.

The Peach Cobbler Factory at 629 Cortez Road W. in Bradenton has its grand opening on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. They specialize in desserts such as cobblers, brownies, cookies, churro stix, banana puddings, shakes and more.

NO. 1: FORMER NFL PLAYER OPENS PEACH COBBLER FACTORY IN BRADENTON. ‘THE SMELL MEANT I WAS HOME.’

Michael Lehan, who played for the Dolphins, Browns and Saints, was inspired to open the dessert chain in Bradenton after meeting his birth father. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

Matt Winters, owner of the newly-opened Stoner’s Pizza Joint at 3985 Cortez Road West in Bradenton.

NO. 2: ‘LEGALIZE MARINARA.’ NEW STONER’S PIZZA JOINT RESTAURANT MAKES BRADENTON DEBUT

The restaurant is running a special deal to celebrate its recent opening. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

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

NO. 3: FLORIDA-BASED STEAKHOUSE CHAIN OPENS IN MANATEE COUNTY. HERE’S WHAT THEY OFFER

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

A new First Watch restaurant is opening in Parrish on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Food from the brunch menu is shown.

NO. 4: FIRST WATCH IS PLANNING ANOTHER NEW BREAKFAST RESTAURANT IN MANATEE COUNTY, RECORDS SAY

The popular breakfast and lunch chain restaurant has headquarters in Bradenton, Florida. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

A 3Natives, a fast-casual restaurant is coming soon to University Town Center, next to PlayTri in the new outparcel building adjacent to the Homewood Suites. By provided photo

NO. 5: JUICE BAR AND CAFE WITH FOCUS ON HEALTHY FAST FOOD OPENS NEW MANATEE COUNTY LOCATION

The fast-casual chain’s other nearby locations are in Lakewood Ranch and UTC. | Published February 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jason Dill

Fruit topped waffle at the Toasted Mango Cafe in Holmes Beach. By Tiffany Tompkins

NO. 6: CAFE VOTED FLORIDA’S BEST WAFFLE OPENS ON ANNA MARIA ISLAND WITH BREAKFAST AND MORE

The Food Network declared the waffle the best in the state in 2018. | Published March 21, 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. 7: 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 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.