A popular fast-casual restaurant founded in Arizona with locations across the country will make its Florida debut in Sarasota-Manatee.
Following our recent story about the soon-to-open Sugar Champagne Bar in downtown Sarasota — an upscale addition to the dining and drinking scene — we’re turning our attention to a more affordable restaurant coming to Sarasota-Manatee. Flower Child, a full-kitchen fast-casual restaurant known for its health-focused menu and motto of being on a " simple, soul-satisfying mission to radiate positively delicious vibes," is set to open its first Florida location in Lakewood Ranch. Created by multiple James Beard Award-nominated restaurateur Sam Fox, Flower Child is part of Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts and popular throughout the country for its wide range of customizable bowls, wraps, salads, and mix-and-match veggies, grains, fruits, and proteins — with the restaurant’s arrival at 6532 University Parkway marking its 41st location nationwide.
When is Flower Child expected to open its first Florida spot in the Sarasota area?
The 3,500-square-foot restaurant, plus patio, located in the Center Point at Waterside shopping plaza — at the intersection of Lakewood Ranch Boulevard and University Parkway, and home to dining destinations such as Owen's Fish Camp — is expected to open this May. “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,” said Sam Fox, founder of Flower Child, in a statement. “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.”
What food should I order at Flower Child?
Fan-favorite dishes at Flower Child include the Mother Earth Bowl ( $12.25 at the Atlanta location), made with ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello mushroom, avocado, cucumber, broccoli pesto, charred onion, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette, and hemp seed; and the gluten-free Mac & Cheese with aged white cheddar and parmesan. Additional popular items include the Chicken Enchiladas, made with guajillo chile, smoked gouda, poblano cream, organic black beans, roasted corn, and avocado; and the Flying Avocado Wrap with smoked turkey, gouda, romaine, tomato, and avocado hummus. The Lakewood Ranch location will feature the brand’s "signature bright and airy aesthetic, creating a welcoming space for guests to connect over nutritious, handcrafted meals," according to the press release. The restaurant will offer dine-in and patio seating, along with a catering program. Additionally, guests will be able to place orders for pick-up, curbside, or delivery.
Who is Flower Child founder Sam Fox?
Sam Fox opened his first concept, Wildflower American Cuisine, in Tucson, Arizona, in 1998, and today has innovated and operated dozens of brands including Culinary Dropout, Flower Child, North Italia, Zinburger, Blanco Cocina+ Cantina, Doughbird, The Henry, and more. In 2019, the Cheesecake Factory purchased Phoenix-based Fox Restaurant Concepts.
What restaurants are open near Flower Child in Lakewood Ranch?
In addition to Owen's Fish Camp, Center Point at Waterside is home to several high-profile restaurants including Ruth's Chris Steak House, Bar Italia, Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, and The Toasted Yolk Cafe, as well as the recently opened Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. 131 MAIN, which already operates four locations across North Carolina — including in Charlotte and Asheville — will make its Florida debut with a restaurant in Center Point at Waterside expected to open this month, according to their website. The New American restaurant advertises "Premium Angus Beef and fresh fish shipped directly from the docks to our restaurants every day," along with "all fresh, no freezers" and a "wood fire grill." For more information on Flower Child, visit iamaflowerchild.com.
Wade Tatangelo is Ticket Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and Florida Regional Dining and Entertainment Editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook , Instagram , and X . He can be reached by email at [email protected].
