New Lakewood Ranch development is getting a Tommy Bahama and 8 other restaurants
A Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Marlin Bar will be joining the lineup of dining places coming to Center Point at Waterside in Lakewood Ranch, a company spokesperson confirmed.
There are eight Tommy Bahama Restaurants and Marlin Bars in Florida, including one at 300 John Ringling Blvd., on Sarasota’s St. Armands Circle. The company also has restaurants in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New York and Texas.
“Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is a great addition to our Center Point project. Marlin Bar is A fun and exciting way to enjoy some island food and drinks while shopping for Tommy’s iconic apparel selections,” said Brett Hutchens, president of Casto Southeast Realty Services.
How Tommy Bahama was born
“In the 1980s, Tony Margolis, Bob Emfield and their wives mused about never leaving the beach. This led to the invention of a character named Tommy Bahama. By asking ‘What would Tommy wear?’ and imagining the details of his life, they unwittingly created the springboard for a new brand and the Tommy Bahama Group, Inc.,” the company website says.
“Tommy Bahama has since become a total ‘island lifestyle’ experience that includes men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, food, cocktails, home furnishings, beach gear and more. From days at the water’s edge to elegant evenings out on the town, our guests are treated to subtle textures and refined finishes that are all carefully considered and meticulously crafted,” the company says.
Tommy Bahama is expected to open in Center Point in 2024.
Center Point at Waterside is a multi-use development on 50 acres east of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard at 6516-6600 University Parkway.
It is anchored on the east by the 77,000-square-foot Center Point Medical Center, 6600 University Parkway, and on the west by Roper Technologies, 6901 Professional Parkway E.
Casto, the developer of Center Point, previously announced other restaurants planned there:
▪ Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The company is based in Winter Park and has more than 140 company‐owned and franchisee‐owned restaurants. The Ruth’s Chris closest to Bradenton is the one at 6700 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
▪ Owens Fish Camp, expected to open soon, is a sister restaurant to one at 516 Burns Court, Sarasota
▪ Toasted Yolk Cafe, a breakfast franchise with restaurants from Texas to the Southeast and north to Michigan. The company’s only other Florida restaurant is at 3750 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.
▪ The Thrivery, a Michigan-based juice bar.
▪ Lake Park Diner, based in Naples, is a casual eatery that focuses on quality, sustainable products and an emphasis on health and the environment.
▪ Crisp & Green, founded in late 2016 by owner and CEO Steele Smiley in Wayzata, Minn., has plans to open 23 restaurants in Florida. The first three opened in Venice, Naples and Orlando.
▪ Olivia, a modern Italian restaurant, led by Chef Chris Ponte.
▪ The golden arches of McDonald’s was the first to open in Center Point.
