Olivia, On Swann, Cafe Divan, Tropical Smoothie Cafe: Restaurant News

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Here are the latest restaurant and bar news from the Sarasota and Bradenton area:

Rita’s Italian Ice Opening in University Town Center

A Rita’s Italian Ice, a quick-service chain, is coming to the Shoppes at University Town Center, the Bradenton Herald reported.

The brand opened a store at 1731 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. in the Lakewood Ranch Gateway shopping center in 2023.

Another is planned for the Creekside Commons plaza in Parrish.

Hawaiian Coffee Shop Opening in Sarasota

Bad Ass Coffee, which was founded on Hawaii’s Big Island, recently opened in the Sarasota area.

The new coffee shop is located at 6588 University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch’s Center Point development.

The brand has eight locations in Florida.

Fifth Tropical Smoothie Cafe Planned in Manatee County

A fifth Tropical Smoothie Cafe is planned in Manatee County, the Bradenton Herald reported.

Plans have been filed for a 1,600-square-foot eatery to open in the Creekside Commons in Parrish.

There are already four Tropical Smoothie Cafes in Manatee County — three in Bradenton and one in Sarasota.

Turkish Restaurant Owners Open Cafe in Gulf Gate Area

The owners of a Turkish restaurant, Divan, opened a cafe across the street in Sarasota’s Gulf Gate neighborhood, the Observer reported.

Cafe Divan, advertised as “a blend of cultures,” serves coffee, tea, dessert, smoothies and sandwiches.

Tampa Restaurants Expanding into Sarasota, Bradenton Area

Two popular Tampa restaurants are expanding into the University Town Center next year.
Olivia and On Swann, both by award-winning Chef Chris Ponte, are set to open back-to-back locations in the West District of the shopping, dining and entertainment destination, according to a news release.

“I always wanted to expand to the Sarasota market,” Ponte, a James Beard-nominated chef, said. “This has been an idea years in the making that is finally becoming a reality at UTC. The fact that we can have both brands right next to each other is a win-win.”

The two restaurants will be located along N. Cattlemen Rd. in a new ground-up development on the opposite side of Ford’s Garage.

Olivia, a modern Italian restaurant, will occupy about 6,500 square feet, while On Swann, offering eclectic contemporary American fare, is expected to take up to 5,000 square feet.