You remember the smell of the sourdough bread. That distinct, yeasty aroma that hit you the second you walked through the door.
For years, Sweet Tomatoes was the go-to for Florida families who wanted something better than typical fast food but didn't want to spend $80 on a Tuesday night dinner. Then, 2020 happened. It felt like the world ended, and for fans of the 45-foot salad bar, it kinda did. The chain vanished. All 97 locations, poof. Gone.
But things are shifting. If you’ve been scouring the web for sweet tomatoes restaurant locations in florida, you probably know that the "permanently closed" status on Google Maps is finally starting to change.
Honestly, it’s about time.
The Long Road Back to the Sunshine State
The comeback story didn't start in Florida, which felt like a betrayal to those of us who grew up eating Joan’s Broccoli Madness in Orlando or Tampa. It started in Tucson, Arizona, in early 2024. A group of "raving fans" and former executives under the name ST Three, LLC (now reportedly ST Four) bought the rights to the brand and proved that people would still wait in line for an hour just for some soup and salad.
That success paved the way for the news everyone in Florida was waiting for.
In late 2025, the company officially confirmed it's coming home. They aren't just opening a random new storefront, either. They’re going back to their roots—literally.
The Fort Myers Reopening
The first confirmed location for the Florida revival is the old spot at 14080 South Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers.
This isn't a rumor. The company has been hiring for General Managers and Kitchen Managers throughout late 2025. According to official announcements and local reports from outlets like WFTV, the doors are slated to open in Spring 2026.
Why Fort Myers? It was one of their strongest-performing units before the liquidation. Plus, the building was still standing. A lot of the old Florida locations were gutted and turned into Korean BBQ spots or "Barrett Corners" strip malls (looking at you, Kennesaw and Atlanta). Finding a shell that still fits the flow of a massive salad bar is half the battle.
Where Else are Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant Locations in Florida?
Right now, Fort Myers is the only "official" spot on the map for 2026. I know, it’s not the answer you wanted if you’re sitting in Jacksonville or Miami.
But here is the nuance. The leadership, including Director of Corporate Affairs Marlee Lossing, hasn't been shy about saying they are "evaluating all markets." Translation: if Fort Myers prints money like the Tucson location did, the expansion will accelerate.
Historically, Florida was the heart of the Sweet Tomatoes empire outside of the West Coast. Before the bankruptcy, the state was packed:
- Orlando/Central Florida: Seven locations used to dot the landscape, from Altamonte Springs to the tourist corridor.
- Tampa Bay: There were five spots serving the Gulf Coast.
- South Florida: Locations in Pembroke Pines, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens were legendary for their Sunday crowds.
If you’re looking for a spot right now in 2026, you won't find one open until the Fort Myers ribbon cutting. However, the company is watching social media like a hawk. They've noted the massive demand in markets like Tampa and San Diego.
Basically, the strategy is "re-occupy the old buildings." It's cheaper than building from scratch. If you see an old Sweet Tomatoes building in your town that hasn't been turned into a medical clinic yet, there’s a non-zero chance it’s on their list.
Why People are Still Obsessed
Is it just nostalgia? Maybe a little.
But Sweet Tomatoes filled a very specific gap in the market. It was a "healthy" buffet in a world of greasy spoons. You could pile your plate with peas, beets, and sunflower seeds, then "cancel it out" with a blueberry muffin and soft serve.
The new owners know they can't mess with the formula. They’ve already confirmed the "Greatest Hits" are returning:
- Joan’s Broccoli Madness: The sweet and savory staple.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: The kind that actually has big chunks of veggies.
- The Focaccia: Specifically the cheesy garlic one that disappeared the second the tray hit the buffet.
- Soft Serve: Yes, with the little chocolate sprinkles.
The biggest hurdle for the new sweet tomatoes restaurant locations in florida isn't the food, though. It’s the price. In 2019, you could get out of there for eleven or twelve bucks. In 2026, with food costs where they are, expect to pay a bit more for that all-you-can-eat experience.
What You Should Do Now
Don't go driving to South Tamiami Trail just yet. They are still in the renovation and hiring phase.
If you want to be the first to know the exact grand opening date—which usually involves some pretty cool "first 100 people" prizes—keep an eye on their official Facebook page for the Tucson branch. Surprisingly, that's where they’ve been dropping most of the Florida intel.
Also, check the local permits in your own city. If you see a "Notice of Commencement" for a restaurant at an old Sweet Tomatoes site, the "salad magic" might be closer than you think.
For those in the rest of the state, patience is the move. The Fort Myers location is the "pilot." If Florida proves it still has an appetite for 50-foot salad bars, the rest of the 2020 ghosts might just come back to life.
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Check the official Sweet Tomatoes website frequently for the "Find Us" map updates, as they tend to post new addresses about three months before the actual opening date once the construction permits are finalized. If you're near Fort Myers, start looking for those hiring signs—they usually signal a 60-day countdown to the first bowl of soup.