Top shop
A Quick, Handy Guide to the Region's New Grocery Stores
WHERE: 8330 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in the Pelican Plaza shopping center.
WHAT: 26,000-square-foot store emphasizing produce and low prices.
WHEN: Now! Sprouts opened last month.
WHO: South county shoppers upset that north Sarasota is getting a second Whole Foods before they even get one.
WHY: A plethora of fresh produce and Florida products, along with prepared foods and a deli. Relationships with vendors keep organic prices up to 25 percent lower. Ninety percent of goods are organic or "natural"—no artificial flavorings, colorings and preservatives. Score savings on cheeses and bulk spices.
Photography by Courtesy Kalia Pang
WHERE: 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, inside the Westfield Southgate mall.
WHAT: New organic-focused, affordable grocer in 30,000-square-foot space inside the old Dillard's.
WHEN: Mid- to late-2017.
WHO: Those who want to sip $2 pints of craft beer while shopping (i.e., everyone).
WHY: "Organic for the 99 percent," the Colorado-based Lucky's chain offers great sales on organic produce and big savings on bulk items and house-cured meats. A huge selection of bulk coffees. Rather than a ribbon cutting, new locations get a "bacon cutting." Win.
Photography by Lucky's Market
WHERE: Corner of University Parkway and Honore Avenue.
WHAT: 40,116-square-foot grocery store with bakery, juice bar and more.
WHEN: Fall 2017.
WHO: Lakewood Ranch commuters and crunchy moms and dads.
WHY: Built on former wetlands, the store has sparked controversy, but shoppers will find the great produce, fish and meats Whole Foods is known for, as well as international specialties. Outstanding wine selection and cheese slingers.
Photography by Courtesy Candice McElyea
WHERE: Corner of State Road 70 and Lakewood Ranch Boulevard.
WHAT: Anchor store for a new 150,000-square-foot retail, office and restaurant plaza.
WHEN: 2018.
WHO: North Lakewood Ranch homebodies, health nuts.
WHY: The Asheville, N.C.-born chain bans hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup and other unhealthy ingredients. No genetically modified ingredients in prepared products. But it's not all crunchy green. Try the killer take-and-bake pizza.
Photography by Courtesy earthfare.com