Mexican-inspired restaurant announced for Lakewood Ranch

Agave Bandido is expected to open later this year.

By Business Observer Staff
| 11:25 a.m. February 18, 2022
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Waterside Place announced a new tenant that's expected to open late 2022. (Courtesy photo)

Manatee-Sarasota

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Life in Lakewood Ranch is about to get better with the announcement of a Mexican-inspired restaurant and tequileria at Waterside Place.

Agave Bandido will be joining the community with a planned opening in late 2022, bringing more than 250 tequilas and mezcals. The 4,000-square-foot restaurant will feature an indoor bar with 2,000 square feet of patio space and an outdoor bar, according to a statement.

“Our focus has always been to grow in highly sought-after suburban areas, which may have minimal hip locations for dining and nightlife,” says Mathew Baum, president of Wolverine Management, the firm delivering the concept to the area. “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.”

Waterside Place is the restaurant’s second home, with its flagship location in Pembroke Pines.

“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,” says COO Matt Faul in a release. “Waterside Place is the perfect location for our fun, energetic brand.”

Agave Bandido will feature handmade cocktails and a full menu of dishes made in-house daily with fresh ingredients.

“Our mantra, when it comes to leasing restaurateurs at Waterside Place, is to look for only best-in-class,” says Kirk Boylston, president of Lakewood Ranch Commercial, in the release. “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 is situated in the center of Waterside, Lakewood Ranch’s first Sarasota village, on a 36-acre peninsula. The community features 115,000 square feet of in-line and freestanding commercial, retail and office space, dining options, eight-acre island park, nature trails, communal “pop-up” spaces, and a water splash park.

The village is expected to have more than 5,000 for sale and rental homes that range from $280,000 to more than $2 million.