The beloved Sweet Tomatoes is set to return to Florida in 2026 according to a recent social media post by their official page from Tucson, Arizona.
On Sunday, December 7th, they confirmed that Sweet Tomatoes is returning to Florida in Ft Myers, Florida.
It began with a few cryptic posts for a few weeks leading up to the announcement today.
And finally, an announcement of return.
Sweet Tomatoes began under the Souplantation name first opening in 1978 in San Diego, California and was known as an affordable all-you-can-eat, self-serve buffet with a large salad bar with fresh produce and vegetables, soups made from scratch, baked breads and muffins, pasta or potato bars, and dessert/soft-serve ice cream among other offerings.
They had 23 locations in Florida including right here in Central Florida.
However, in March 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic triggered closures nationwide due to health regulations and concerns around communal/self-serve buffets. On May 7, 2020, the company announced that it would permanently close all of its 97 Souplantation and Sweet Tomatoes locations across the U.S., including those in Florida.
In 2021, Winter Park Florida-based company ST Three LLC purchased the intellectual property and assets associated with Sweet Tomatoes/Souplantation and in April 2024, the first reopened location under the revived brand opened in Tucson, AZ.
There have been recent reports from eyewitnesses indicating that the former south Fort Myers location is undergoing interior remodeling under the direction of a design and development firm, which suggests preparations for a reopening.
According to locals who have spoken with the contractors on the ground, it appears the construction should be complete in 2-4 months which puts it at Spring 2026 opening timeframe. Keep an eye out for future announcements.
The first location in Florida since their restructuring will be at 14080 S Tamiami Trail, Ft Myers, FL.
This is exciting news, especially with the headquarters of the ownership being in Winter Park and the “wizard” motif – there may be hope that Sweet Tomatoes will return to Orlando soon.
