Detwiler’s Farm Market Could Expand North Into St. Pete: Reports

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Sarasota-based local grocery chain Detwiler’s Farm Market could be expanding north into Pinellas County, according to multiple reports.

The grocer is in early talks with Sugar Hill Group, the company behind the planned redevelopment of Tangerine Plaza at 1794 22nd Street, according to St. Pete Rising.

St. Petersburg City Council approved a lease and development agreement with Sugar Hill for the site during . The plan calls for the construction of 115 affordable apartments and 10,000 square feet of commercial space, which includes at least 3,000 square feet set aside for a grocery store.

The plan passed in a 5-3 council vote with council members Ed Montanari, Lisset Hanewicz and Gina Driscoll voting against it.

"It has been a journey," Roy Binger, part of Sugar Hill Group, told the Tampa Bay Business Journal. "We are very excited and exhilarated to have the ability to revitalize the Deuces with this particular project."

Detwiler’s is known for its fresh produce, especially local produce sold in season. The chain currently has six locations, three in Sarasota and one each in Venice, Palmetto and Bradenton.

“It’s a great supermarket with fresh food and fresh meats at affordable prices,” Rev. Louis Murphy, part of the Sugar Hill Group, said Thursday. “It would be a great plus to our community. People travel from as far as Clearwater and New Port Richey to go to the store in the Bradenton area. So again, we are super excited about that.”

Sugar Hill has 18 months to secure funding for the project, reports said. They’re also required to get a commitment letter from a grocer that intends to operate in the redeveloped plaza, which is in an area long considered a food desert, for at least five years.

Once these initial terms are met, Sugar Hill could secure a lease of $100,000 for 75 years or opt to buy the property for $1.5 million after construction is complete. The Tampa Bay Times reported.

Now that the group has been approved to redevelop the site, it will also reach out to other small grocery chains, in addition to Detwiler’s, about potentially moving into the space, reports said.

“We cannot have enough options to solve the ongoing food desert issue in our community,” said council member Brandi Gabbard, who also suggested operating a city-owned grocery store.
Walmart and Sweetbay Supermarket previously occupied the grocery store space in the plaza.