What Businesses Should Come to Sarasota?

Sarasota Patch recently asked readers what they'd like to see built at the site of a former Rita's Water Ice and Blimpie sub shop on South Tamiami Trail.

Lots of folks chimed in with their suggestions in our comments section and on our Facebook page. Several said they just wanted to see some green space ("A park," said one Facebook fan; "Trees," added another). A few just wanted to see Rita's open up again. And other readers had some interesting picks for the types of businesses they'd like to see come to Sarasota; below is a sampling of what they had to say.

What about you? What businesses do you wish would open here? Add your suggestions in the comments section and join the conversation.

Kathleen Keenan Mizner, via Facebook: "Wawa"

Reta Saffo: "How about Morton's Grocer's? It quite a drive to get anywhere from here on the S. Trail to grab a few already prepared hors deves, appetizers or goodies for a great gourmet meal."

Lynne Carpenter: "I am blown away that the closest Gymboree Play & Music is in Tampa. This is NOT a clothing store, that is in the Southgate Mall. I do not know if this site is big enough but Sarasota children would love one here." 

Karen Hackney, via Facebook: "A used books books store!"

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