While family-run groceries have come and gone in droves, Morton’s Gourmet Market & Catering—Sarasota’s first full-service independent grocery store—has been around for more than half a century. Although it’s experienced a series of name changes, three generations of Mortons have built its reputation for great-tasting products, top-level service, and hands-on owners.
“We’re very chef driven,” explains Todd Morton, the current owner. After earning a degree in hospitality management from Florida State University, Todd came back to work for the family business just as his father and grandfather had done. “We create a lot of prepared, prepacked meals, salads, and entrees that people love. They can’t get enough of our chicken salad—we have three or four varieties, which means we poach hundreds of pounds of chicken each week.” Morton’s Gourmet Market also features a full-service bakery with professionally trained pastry chefs who make everything from artisan bread to seasonal fruit tarts to chocolate truffles to wedding cakes.
These days, Eddie Morton—Todd’s father—is semi-retired. “I come and go as I please,” he laughs, though when he’s not fishing, golfing, or traveling, he’s most often found at the store where he’s been working with his own dad since 1969. From the start, the Mortons treated employees like family, which explains why so many work there for decades. “Ultimately, it’s what sets us apart. People want to spend time here.”
Todd adds, “We have a family atmosphere and give personalized service. Many of our employees take pride in not only knowing the customers’ names but anticipating their needs. That’s just our culture.” His wife and three kids—who all “work in one way, shape, or form here”—are a big part of that culture, too. And that’s what makes Morton’s Gourmet Market the area’s best deli, gourmet grocery, and full-service catering option.
1924 S Osprey Ave
942.955.9856 • emorton@mortonsmarket.com • mortonsmarket.com
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