AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Readiness: As Hurricane Isaias nears the Panhandle, Pensacola shoppers are stocking up and some supplies are selling out, raising pressure on local grocers and food retailers ahead of landfall. Miami Openings: Wynwood has two new dining draws: MGK’s 27 Club Coffee, known for its pink latte, and Lito, serving shared plates inspired by Southern European cuisines. Food Safety: A nationwide recall covers more than 122,000 cases of Gatorade over undeclared yellow dyes; Florida is among the affected states, so shoppers should check bottles and lot codes. Grocery Costs: A Sam’s Club shopping test in St. Petersburg found bulk buying can lower per-unit costs, but shoppers need to weigh the annual membership fee and large package sizes against their household needs.

Storm Watch: Hurricane Isaias is strengthening toward a northern Gulf Coast landfall, with Florida’s Panhandle among the areas facing dangerous wind, flooding and storm surge. Emergency shelters are opening as residents prepare. Food Safety: USDA alerts cover Jamaican chicken Vienna sausages sold in Florida without required inspection; shoppers should check for Grace cans marked “EST. NO G-01.” A separate Gatorade recall involves more than 122,000 cases over undeclared yellow dyes. Florida Food Businesses: Whole Foods plans to open its first Manatee County store in November, while a Tampa-based burger chain is upgrading drive-throughs as part of a turnaround. In Miami, The Pickled Beet has introduced a customizable Thanksgiving menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Local Legacy: Key West grocer Fausto’s marks 100 years in business, a rare milestone for the family-owned store.

Florida Food Retail: Piggly Wiggly Food For Less, a Florida-based operator with 14 stores, is rolling out a new online grocery platform across its locations by the end of October. Local Food Favorites: Miami’s Knaus Berry Farm opens Oct. 13 for its 70th season, adding a fourth register and capping walk-up cinnamon-roll orders at four dozen per customer. Restaurant Workforce: Chef Creole owner Wilkinson “Ken” Sejour says the loss of Haitian workers disrupted staffing across his seven South Florida locations and raised costs; he previously warned he might close two, but closures have not been confirmed. Food Safety: A Gatorade recall involving more than 122,000 cases over undeclared dyes and an expanded frozen-berry recall tied to E. coli are prompting shoppers to check products. Store Investment: RaceTrac is spending $63 million to remodel 98 Florida convenience stores, with pizza bars and coffee upgrades planned. Florida Expansion: Whole Foods Market has opened its 40th Florida store in Bradenton.

Food Safety Alerts: USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert for illegally imported canned chicken Vienna-style sausages from Jamaica, urging Florida shoppers not to eat and to discard or return affected “GRACE READY TO EAT CHICKEN VIENNA SAUSAGES” (hot & spicy included) sold in multiple states including Florida. Recall Watch: A frozen organic berry recall expanded again, pulling additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s products tied to possible E. coli contamination, with specific lot codes and “best if used by” dates listed for shoppers. New Store in Florida: Whole Foods Market is set to open its 40th Florida location in Bradenton on Nov. 5, featuring 450+ local items and a grand-opening food donation effort via Good Neighbors. Dining & Culture: Florida chefs weigh in on whether truffle has become more comfort-food than luxury, with a key split between fresh truffle and “truffle flavor” products. Local Food Scene: A first-ever Lakeland Coffee Truck Rally drew crowds and sold-out drinks, bringing together three local coffee businesses and vendors at a community market. Travel Hospitality: Zaxby’s opened its first travel-plaza unit at Orlando’s Turkey Lake Service Plaza as part of a multi-site deal with Areas USA.

Retail Expansion: Whole Foods Market is set to open its 40th Florida store in Bradenton on Nov. 5, with 42,000 square feet of space and 450+ local items, plus a food donation push via its Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program. Food Safety Alert: USDA FSIS issued a public health alert for illegally imported canned “Grace Ready to Eat Chicken Vienna Sausages” (140g, regular and hot & spicy) distributed to retailers including Florida; consumers are urged not to eat and to return or discard. Brand & Restaurant Moves: RaceTrac is remodeling 98 Florida convenience stores with pizza bars, expanded hot food and upgraded coffee programs as it leans harder into foodservice. Travel Dining Growth: Zaxby’s opened its first Florida Turnpike location at Turkey Lake Service Plaza and plans four more travel-plaza spots under a deal with Areas USA. Bankruptcy Watch: Oprah-backed True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 and closed 12 restaurants, leaving 34 locations operating. Consumer/Health: PepsiCo’s Gatorade recall continues to ripple, with FDA citing undeclared food dyes across 37 states, including Florida. Local Food Culture: Lakeland’s first-ever Coffee Truck Rally brought three specialty coffee businesses together after displacement issues.

Food Safety Alert: PepsiCo is recalling 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states, including Florida, after FDA flagged undeclared artificial yellow dyes on select Lemon Lime and Orange varieties (check lot codes and best-by dates). Retail & Supply Chain: RaceTrac is investing $63M to remodel 98 Florida convenience stores, adding full pizza bars and expanded coffee and frozen yogurt options through 2027. Dining & Deals: National Taco Day hits Oct. 6, with Florida-focused promotions including $2 tacos at Moe’s Southwest Grill and Taco Bell’s Duolingo hot sauce tie-in. Local Restaurant Growth: TGI Fridays says it wants to expand in Florida as it pushes toward 1,000 global locations by 2030. Community Food Support: Polk County’s Peanut Butter Challenge returns Oct. 1–31, asking residents to donate jars for local families. Water & Health: Volusia County issued a precautionary boil-water notice for several neighborhoods after a storm-related electrical issue caused low water pressure. Business Watch: Hooters closed its last Jacksonville location, underscoring ongoing chain shrinkage after bankruptcy restructuring.

Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) sold in 37 states, including Florida, because some bottles may contain undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6. The FDA classifies it as Class II; check lot codes and best-by dates before drinking. Produce & Freezer Alerts: A frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded again, pulling additional lots sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s across dozens of states, including Florida—consumers are urged to check UPCs/lot codes and return or discard. Local Food & Community: Palm Bay’s Evans Center reopens Oct. 17 with a broader mission to serve residents and businesses, building on the site’s history as a neighborhood food and community hub. Tourism & Hiring: Discover The Palm Beaches announces a free hospitality and tourism job fair for Oct. 9 and Oct. 15, targeting hotels, restaurants, attractions and other visitor-serving employers. Dining Scene: Tampa ranks No. 7 on WalletHub’s 2026 “Best Foodie Cities” list, with Miami and Orlando also placing in the top 10.

Food Safety Recalls: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states because labels didn’t list certain yellow food dyes (tartrazine and Sunset Yellow FCF), a labeling issue with higher risk for some sensitive consumers. Public Health Research: A new review links eating processed meat—about 25 grams a day—to higher dementia risk, including Alzheimer’s, though researchers stress the findings are observational. Supply Chain & Pricing Pressure: Reports say Trump tomato tariffs could threaten the “free chips and salsa” tradition at Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants as tomato costs rise. Local Food Industry Oversight: A follow-up inspection was ordered at Glenview Country Club in The Villages after a health inspector found temperature abuse and sanitization problems, including a stop-sale order for buttermilk mix. Community & Dining Events: Englewood Beach Waterfest kicks off “race week” with a free block party and major offshore powerboat championships drawing large crowds, while The Venue Clermont opens for weddings and events with in-house catering. Florida Food Culture: WalletHub ranks Miami as the top U.S. city for foodies, citing affordable high-rated restaurants and strong dining variety.

Food Safety Watch: A follow-up inspection was ordered for Glenview Country Club in The Villages after a Sept. 28 visit found a dozen violations, including temperature abuse (a buttermilk mix measured 58°F), unsafe hot-holding, and a dishwasher not sanitizing properly. Recall Alerts: Frozen berries are back on shoppers’ radar as Trader Joe’s and Walmart recalled additional lots tied to possible E. coli contamination, with Florida included among affected states. More Recall News: Gias Foods recalled Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine sold at Walmart nationwide due to possible listeria contamination. Community Food Access: Publix is donating $1.1 million to Feeding Northeast Florida to move food faster into rural counties as demand rises. Local Food & Drink: A new auto-themed restaurant, Ford’s Garage, is set to open Oct. 13 in Chattanooga—originating in Florida—bringing burgers plus craft beer and cocktails. Public Health & Nutrition: The FDA also flagged a major Gatorade recall affecting more than 30 states after undeclared Yellow No. 5/6 colorings were found.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen berries are back in the spotlight after an expanded recall tied to an E. coli outbreak, including Great Value frozen organic blueberries and Triple Berry Blend plus Trader Joe’s frozen organic Mixed Berry Blend; Florida is among the affected states. Community Food Relief: Lake County’s hunger response got a boost as Lake Cares (with Second Harvest) served 623 households—enough for more than 33,000 meals—during Hunger Action Month, with heavy volunteer support from Publix. Local Food Culture: Williston’s Central Florida Peanut Festival returned as a major community tradition, celebrating the peanut industry with vendors, music, and family events. Health & Nutrition Awareness: A Gainesville Reads kickoff highlighted Indigenous food traditions and reciprocity through “The Serviceberry,” connecting local seed stories to broader community values. Fishing Forecast: Florida’s freshwater forecast for Oct. 4–7 warns anglers of low sunshine and oxygen drops, suggesting deeper-water feeding areas for better chances.

Hunger Relief: Lake Cares and Second Harvest delivered mobile food support to 623 Lake County households during Hunger Action Month, totaling more than 33,000 meals, with Publix employees volunteering en masse during Publix Serves Week. Food Safety Recall: A Chilean supplier expanded a recall of frozen organic berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s after an E. coli outbreak sickened 17 people, including six hospitalized in Florida and Georgia. Community & Dining: Johnny Rockets is set to open at Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, with a new pizzeria planned next door—another sign of continued growth in casual dining concepts. Local Events: Feeding Dreams announced its 8th annual TPC Treviso Bay golf tournament in Naples on Oct. 29 to support Southwest Florida children facing food insecurity. Public Health Reminder: Florida health departments issued 60-day rabies alerts after infected raccoons were found in Orange Park and Stuart, urging residents to check pet vaccinations.

Food Safety Recall: USDA says Sempio Food Services is recalling 4,596 pounds of ready-to-eat Korean ginseng chicken stew shipped to Florida and seven other states after missed reinspection; no illnesses reported, but consumers should not eat and retailers should pull it. More Recall Fallout: FDA says a frozen berry recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, adding Walmart Great Value and Trader Joe’s berry blends; Florida cases are included, and shoppers should check freezer dates. Listeria in the Freezer Aisle: Gias Foods expanded its recall of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine sold at Walmart after possible Listeria contamination; no illnesses reported. Cyclospora Update: FDA wrapped up its investigation into the Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce, citing “strong” evidence tying infections to the products. Convenience Store Pricing Scrutiny: Florida lawmakers are among those calling for action after a Guardian investigation alleges 7-Eleven and Circle K overcharge customers at the register or pump versus posted prices. Local Food & Community: Miami-Dade’s free Harvest & Wellness Family Festival at Tropical Park offers pumpkins for the first 200 families, with Walmart and Home Depot sponsoring. Industry Moves: MES Life Safety acquired PRO-CO, a Winter Springs provider of industrial safety and instrumentation, expanding local support.

Public Health Alert: Martin County issued a 60-day rabies alert after a raccoon tested positive near South Kanner Highway, urging residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated and leashed. Food Safety Recall: Gias Foods expanded its Walmart pasta recall—Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine (22 oz, UPC 194346442706) now includes all lot numbers due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination, with no illnesses reported so far. SNAP/Medicaid & Wages: New Oct. 1 rules tighten Medicaid and SNAP eligibility in ways that could affect hundreds of thousands in Florida, while the state minimum wage rises to $15. Local Rules for Vendors: Marion County sent proposed roadside food truck and temporary vendor rules back to staff after operators said the draft was too vague and too harsh in places. Business & Dining: Jeff’s Bagel Run opened two new locations (including Brandon, Florida), and Adega Gaucha marked its sixth year in Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining with a $60 prix-fixe program supporting local charities. Animal Welfare Watch: PETA is pushing Fort Lauderdale to investigate the viral Capybara Café over zoning and animal housing concerns.

Food Safety Recall: Gias Foods expanded its recall of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine sold at Walmart, now covering all lot codes for the 22-ounce bags tied to UPC 194346442706 due to possible Listeria contamination. Public Health Outbreak: The FDA says more states and patients are now involved in an E. coli and Salmonella sprout outbreak linked to Everything Sprouts LLC, with Florida among the affected locations. Food & Travel Tech: Valentina Ellison is bringing airport restaurant know-how to automated vending through Evolvending, which runs branded food kiosks at multiple airports. Local Food Culture: St. Pete’s MFA St. Pete is teaming up with Café Clementine and Lost Coast Oyster Co. for “Art After Dark” on Oct. 8, pairing late-night art with oysters and an L’Apéro menu. Nutrition Science: Florida State University’s Douglas Storace received an NSF CAREER Award to study how hunger changes smell processing and food perception. Policy Watch: Florida’s “Meg’s Law” took effect Oct. 1, ending nitrous oxide sales by licensed tobacco retailers and adding xylazine trafficking penalties.

Food Safety Recalls: FDA flagged three products this week—raw milk cheese tied to an E. coli outbreak, jarred peperoncini pulled over contamination concerns, and ground cinnamon recalled for elevated lead—urging shoppers to check fridges and spice cabinets. Sanitation Best Practice: A new study says cleaning food-contact surfaces before sanitizing can boost pathogen removal to nearly 100%, especially on porous packing materials. Florida Cottage Food Boom: Driveway “mini-bakeries” are surging across Florida, helped by the state’s cottage-food rules that let home bakers sell with labeling and approved shelf-stable ingredients. Local Food & Community: A South Florida senior expo highlighted access to healthcare, food resources, and hygiene help through dozens of local partners. Industry & Trade: The Americas Food & Beverage Show in Miami Beach drew 11,700 attendees and 990 exhibitors, up 17% on-site, while G20 trade ministers discussed keeping food from becoming a weapon in coercive trade actions. Florida Dining News: Tito Ortiz’s Cape Coral Mexican restaurant announced it will close Oct. 5 after injuries hurt operations.

SNAP Shake-Up: Starting Oct. 1, SNAP benefits get a small inflation bump, but stricter eligibility and administration changes could cut millions off over time, with advocates warning food insecurity could worsen for families already squeezed by grocery prices. Fresh-Produce Access: St. Petersburg’s PeliCAN pilot launches with $250,000 in grant support, sending coached mobile produce vendors into South St. Pete with plans to begin sales in late November and help them accept SNAP. Retail & Food Value: Walmart opened a new Crestview Neighborhood Market focused on fresh groceries and faster pickup/delivery, while a new Acosta report says convenience-store shoppers buy food and drinks weekly—if retailers deliver better value and fresher options. Dining Affordability: The Orlando Magic rolled out $20 Monthly Steals tickets plus a $2–$7 Fan Favorites Value Menu, pairing game-day concessions with broader affordability efforts. Food Safety Watch: Florida regulators issued a rabies alert in Clay County after a confirmed raccoon case, urging residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Local Food Events: Coastal Catch Restaurant Month returns Oct. 1 in New Smyrna Beach with 10 seafood-focused restaurants offering prix-fixe menus.