Tommy Bahama's Marlin Bar is bringing island-inspired food, tropical cocktails and a laid-back dining experience to Lakewood Ranch.

The restaurant, which opened in October 2024 at 6562 University Parkway in Center Point at Lakewood Ranch, combines the brand's fast-casual Marlin Bar concept with an adjacent Tommy Bahama retail store.

Guests order at the bar, find a seat and have their food delivered to the table. The 8,700-square-foot location seats about 150 diners.

Island-inspired menu

The menu features Tommy Bahama staples including coconut shrimp, burgers, tacos and seafood dishes, along with tropical cocktails such as the brand's signature Mai Tai.

The Marlin Bar concept is designed around a casual dining experience where guests can stop in for a meal or drinks while also shopping at the adjoining retail store.

Lakewood Ranch growth drew Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama CEO Doug Wood told the Observer ahead of the 2024 opening that the company's existing customer base and Lakewood Ranch's continued growth helped drive the decision to open there.

"We started looking at communities growing in Lakewood Ranch and said there's enough of our guests here to support a Marlin Bar and support the store down the street," Wood said.

The Lakewood Ranch opening expanded Tommy Bahama's presence in the Sarasota-Manatee area. The company has operated a restaurant and retail store on St. Armands Circle in Sarasota for nearly 30 years.

Tommy Bahama operates restaurants and Marlin Bars in markets across the country.