Popular restaurants, retailers to join Whole Foods at Sarasota Square

Sarasota Square, a Florida mixed-use development transforming a former mall into a walkable town center, has nearly fully leased its first phase. The project, developed by Torburn Partners, includes 1,200 residences and major retailers like Whole Foods Market, Chipotle Mexican Grill, CAVA, Charles Schwab, HomeSense, and Joe & the Juice. Warby Parker has also signed a lease for a 2,040-square-foot space, securing 88% of the 90,000-square-foot area, with an opening planned for the first quarter of 2027. Phase Two will expand the development with 160,000 square feet of street-oriented retail, dining, and outdoor spaces, featuring Mediterranean-inspired architecture and lush landscaping. The design centers on a central lawn for events, outdoor dining, and community gatherings, aiming to create a next-generation retail and dining hub. Merchants will include premium fashion brands, while restaurants will highlight notable chefs, with an expected launch by the end of 2028. Torburn Partners recently sold 4.5 acres to Woodfield Development for a 360-unit rental complex with a parking garage, further solidifying the project’s residential component. The development is positioned as a key destination for Sarasota’s coastal market, blending retail, dining, and residential living into a cohesive, experience-driven environment. Jamestown, overseeing leasing, emphasized the project’s focus on discovery and community connection, noting strong interest from prospective tenants. The vision aligns with modern consumer demand for walkable, lifestyle-oriented spaces, reinforcing Sarasota Square’s potential as a regional landmark. Construction on Phase One is underway, with Phase Two set to build on the success of the initial leasing momentum. The project reflects a broader trend of reinventing underutilized retail spaces into vibrant, mixed-use communities.