Aldi is preparing to open a new store as part of an Aldi Sarasota supermarket conversion, taking over the space of a supermarket that closed earlier this year. Renovations have been underway since winter, and the discount grocer is expected to begin serving shoppers before the end of August, according to some sources. The project highlights Aldi’s steady growth across Florida, where the chain continues to move into existing retail spaces.
Construction
The project involves a full renovation of the anchor space at Southeast Plaza, totaling about 129,700 square feet. Work has focused on Aldi’s streamlined interior layout, upgraded refrigeration systems, and updated signage. Exterior changes have been minimal, keeping the building’s footprint largely intact. As of mid-August, the site remained closed, with work nearing completion ahead of an anticipated opening later this month.
Location and History
Southeast Plaza is located at 4230 Bee Ridge Road in Sarasota, near the intersection with McIntosh Road. The center was first developed in the mid-1960s and underwent significant renovations around 2000. Over time, the anchor supermarket space has changed hands multiple times. It operated as Sweetbay Supermarket until 2013, when most of that chain’s stores were sold and converted into Winn-Dixie. The Bee Ridge Winn-Dixie served the area for more than a decade before closing in February 2025, paving the way for Aldi’s arrival.
Company Background
Aldi, founded in Germany, operates more than 2,300 stores across the United States. The chain is recognized for its limited-assortment model, private-label focus, and low-price strategy. Florida has been one of Aldi’s fastest-growing markets, with multiple former supermarkets converted into new stores. The Southeast Plaza project is the latest example of this approach, adding another location to the company’s expanding Sarasota footprint.
Last Updated on August 17, 2025 by F.E.M