Lakewood Ranch, the nation’s best-selling master-planned community in the U.S. for all ages, has announced that Mexican-inspired restaurant and tequileria Agave Bandido will open in Waterside Place in late 2022.
The 4,000 square-foot restaurant will feature a beautiful indoor bar as its focal point, offering more than 250 tequilas and mezcals. The 2,000 square feet of patio space boasts a separate outdoor bar with a picturesque backdrop of the lake.
Conceptualized by Wolverine Management President Mathew Baum and Chief Operating Officer Matt Faul, Agave Bandido will bring a vibrant, city-inspired dining atmosphere to Lakewood Ranch. The duo says most of their personal decision-making inspired the aesthetics of Agave Bandido. Everything from the way food is served to the bar layout is determined based upon what they would prefer as consumers.
“Our focus has always been to grow in highly sought-after suburban areas, which may have minimal hip locations for dining and nightlife,” says Baum. “People want to have an exciting dining experience without driving half an hour into the city. Agave Bandido’s cuisine and atmosphere will offer those lively downtown elements conveniently close to home.”
Recently named the “Best Lifestyle Program in the U.S.” by the National Association of Homebuilders, Lakewood Ranch’s Waterside Place vibrant lifestyle and suburban location was the logical location for its second restaurant.
Adds Faul, “What excited us most about Lakewood Ranch is its strong sense of community and emphasis on events and lifestyle, which is what we’re all about. Waterside Place is the perfect location for our fun, energetic brand.”
Agave Bandido at Waterside Place will offer patrons handmade cocktails and a full menu of dishes made in-house daily with fresh ingredients. The restaurant will feature many of the same design aesthetics as its flagship location in Pembroke Pines, Fla., including eye-catching murals and décor.
“Our mantra, when it comes to leasing restauranteurs at Waterside Place, is to look for only best-in-class,” says Kirk Boylston, president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial. “The goal is to transform Waterside Place into a regional foodie destination where residents and visitors can enjoy a diverse array of culinary experiences. We’re thrilled to welcome Agave Bandido’s Mexican-inspired cuisine and know the restaurant will be an exciting addition to the Lakewood Ranch lifestyle.”
Waterside Place serves as the heart of Waterside – Lakewood Ranch’s first Sarasota village – and offers an elevated community experience that extends beyond that of a traditional town center. Situated on a 36-acre peninsula overlooking the mile-long Kingfisher Lake, the development blends arts and entertainment destinations with 115,000 square feet of unique in-line and freestanding commercial, retail and office space; diverse dining options; an eight-acre island park; miles of nature trails; communal “pop-up” spaces, a water splash park, and more.
Waterside Village will feature more than 5,000 for-sale and rental homes in a variety of neighborhoods ranging from $280k to over $2M. All neighborhoods are connected to Waterside Place via trails and many homes will benefit from water taxis to the town center.
