Tampa boutique grocer Duckweed to open in Westshore Marina District

As urban Tampa grows more residential, city dwellers clamor for convenient grocery store options.

With that in mind, BTI Partners knew where to start with the retail component of its Westshore Marina District and did not have to look far to find the ideal tenant.

The Fort Lauderdale-based real estate investor and developer has announced Tampa boutique grocer Duckweed Urban Market as its first retail business and the anchor tenant in its planned Marina Landings town square.

“I have several leases signed but it was important for me to announce the grocer first,” BTI Vice President for Retail Development Britney Mroczkowski says. “That is one of the tenants that people always ask about and one I know people are most excited about. “

Duckweed is expected to open a 3,000-square- foot location in early 2020.

“It is an anchor but not a traditional anchor size,” Mroczkowski says. “We did not want a large-scale warehouse-type grocer. We wanted something boutique where people could walk downstairs and grab their essentials. They are a health-conscious grocer that will have a lot of the essentials with a focus on grab-and-go foods, artisanal items, and a small vegan café inside. They will also have a full liquor store.”

Mroczkowski says following Duckweed there will be a series of retail announcements for the nearly 24,000-square-foot town square. Leases are signed or under negotiation for a coffee shop, juice and smoothie shop, a wine bar and restaurant, a surf and marina shop, fitness center, dessert shop, and a salon and spa.

“Over the next few weeks we’ll be doing one announcement after another,” Mroczkowski says.

The retail businesses are coming as the first wave of residents have moved into two luxury apartment complexes and townhomes are under construction at the mixed-use waterfront development near the Tampa side of the Gandy Bridge.

The announcement also continues Duckweed’s growth in the Tampa market. In addition to the current stores in downtown and the Channel District, Duckweed has a Seminole Heights location in the works.