Sprouts Farmers Market Blooms in Uptown Tampa’s Innovation Village
Exciting News: Sprouts Farmers Market Expands to Uptown Tampa
Healthy living enthusiasts in Uptown Tampa have reason to celebrate as Sprouts Farmers Market gears up to open its doors to the community on Friday. The beloved organic grocery chain, based in Phoenix, is set to unveil its 43rd store in the sunshine state, nestled within the heart of the bustling University Mall at 2150 E Fowler Ave.
This new store comes as part of a grand redevelopment project that aims to transform the traditional shopping mall into a vibrant mixed-use innovation village. Aptly named RITHM at Uptown, which stands for Research, Innovation, Technology, Habitat, and Medicine, this visionary 100-acre development seeks to breathe new life into an area that was once impacted by the decline of malls. With a dynamic blend of retail outlets, residential housing, hotels, and entertainment options, RITHM promises to become a hub of technological innovation and community vitality.
Sprouts Farmers Market’s decision to establish a presence in this thriving urban environment aligns perfectly with the vision of RD Management LLC, the project’s development firm. Christopher Bowen, Chief Development Strategist at RD Management, commented, “This is an urban neighborhood, walkable, a live-work-play type of environment. It’s really critical that we have a best-in-class green grocer really involved with the neighborhood.”
The Uptown Tampa location is not the only exciting endeavor on Sprouts’ horizon in the region. Across the bay, in St. Petersburg’s Skyway Marina District, another Sprouts store is in the works, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to serving the Florida community.
Sprouts’ new Uptown Tampa store spans an impressive 23,200 square feet and is part of the initial wave of businesses shaping the new shopping district at RITHM. Its strategic location, catering to a diverse audience, including University of South Florida students, is expected to be a hit. Additionally, the developer commissioned local artist Chad Mize to create an eye-catching mural titled “Algorithm” outside the store, featuring a collage of Tampa symbols and scientific icons.
Starting from September 15th, the Uptown Tampa Sprouts store will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled that Sprouts is planting another seed in the city of Tampa, expanding its business to offer fresh, quality food to more of our residents while creating hundreds of jobs that will positively impact our local economy. I look forward to watching this market bloom!” With its focus on fresh and organic produce, Sprouts Farmers Market is sure to flourish in Uptown Tampa’s growing community.