Flower Child, the fast-casual eatery known for its healthy and wholesome meals, is set to open its first Florida location in Lakewood Ranch this May. The new restaurant will be situated at Center Point at Waterside on University Parkway, bringing a fresh dining option to the Sarasota area.
Healthy, Wholesome Dining Experience
The Flower Child menu features a variety of bowls, wraps, and salads, offering customers the opportunity to mix and match fresh vegetables, grains, fruits, and proteins. Whether you’re following a vegetarian, vegan, or paleo diet or simply looking for a nutritious meal, Flower Child promises to cater to all tastes and dietary preferences.
Founder Sam Fox, a renowned restaurateur who has been nominated 11 times for the James Beard Award, is excited about expanding Flower Child into Florida. “We’ve been looking for the right opportunity to bring Flower Child to Florida, and Sarasota is the perfect place to introduce one of our most popular restaurant concepts,” Fox said.
A Growing Concept Across the U.S.
Flower Child already has a strong presence with 40 locations spread across 13 states, including California, Oklahoma, and Maryland. The Lakewood Ranch location will mark the first Flower Child restaurant in Florida. As part of a growing trend toward healthier eating, the restaurant focuses on wellness and community, offering a space for customers to gather and enjoy delicious, healthy food.
“With its focus on wellness, active living, and a strong sense of community, we can’t wait to be part of this incredible city and provide a space where people can gather and enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals,” Fox shared.
Popular Dishes at Flower Child
Flower Child is known for its made-from-scratch dishes, and some of the most popular items include:
Mother Earth Bowl: A hearty mix of ancient grains, sweet potatoes, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, hemp seed, charred onions, and leafy greens, all topped with a red pepper miso vinaigrette.
Flying Avocado Wrap: Smoked turkey paired with gouda, romaine, tomato, and avocado hummus in a delicious wrap.
Chicken Enchilada Bowl and Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Customer favorites that showcase Flower Child’s commitment to both flavor and wellness.
A Bright, Inviting Space
The new Flower Child location will span 3,500 square feet and feature a spacious patio. Guests will be able to enjoy their meals in the bright, airy dining area, with options for pickup or delivery as well. Catering services will also be available for those looking to share the Flower Child experience at events or gatherings.
Flower Child’s Lakewood Ranch restaurant will be located at 6532 University Parkway, across from the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar. The location promises to be a welcoming space where guests can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals while contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Exciting Times for Sarasota
Brett Hutchens, president of Casto Southeast Realty, which owns the Center Point at Waterside property, noted the high demand for Flower Child. “We were really lucky. UTC had been trying to get [Flower Child], but they’re just not a mall tenant,” he said. With construction starting in December, the new location is eagerly anticipated by local residents and visitors alike.
Flower Child is part of Fox Restaurant Concepts, a hospitality group based in Phoenix. The group operates more than 60 locations across the country and employs 5,000 people. With its commitment to providing high-quality, flavorful meals in a welcoming environment, Flower Child is poised to become a beloved addition to the Sarasota dining scene.
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