352, FL (352today.com) – As the population and interconnectedness of communities in the 352 continue to increase, more and more new businesses have announced they’re coming to the region. From restaurants and a supermarket to a shopping plaza and community hub, here are new places predicted (so far) to come to Ocala and Gainesville in 2026.

The AC Hotel

Accompanying the forthcoming parking garage in downtown Ocala (see below) is the new AC hotel currently under construction in downtown Ocala. The hotel will provide more space for visitors to comfortably stay in the area with an addition of over 150 rooms at 210 W Silver Springs Blvd.

The hotel is slated to open in late 2026.

Amrit Palace

Amrit Palace is an Indian cuisine restaurant local to Ocala with a menu full of authentic North Indian dishes. After establishing a strong local connection, the restaurant is now expanding its services to Gainesville with a new location taking over the now-defunct Hooters at 3105 SW 34th St. Gainesville residents have begun sharing their excitement at the expansion.

The Singh family is optimistic about opening in late January.

Downtown Ocala’s Parking Garage No. 2

Downtown Ocala is a popular destination for locals, especially during holiday events. To cater to the rising population in Ocala, a new parking garage will be underway, providing parking for the new AC Hotel and additional parking spaces for convenient downtown Ocala access. The garage will be taking the place of the now-demolished Mt. Moriah Baptist Church at 55 SW 3rd Ave.

The garage is expected to open in the summer of 2026.

The Forge

The Forge will be a multi-venue establishment meant to cater to a wide range of food styles with an exploration-friendly layout for guests to freely walk the property and discover everything it has to offer. The location will be taking over the now-defunct WMOP radio building at 343 NE 1st Ave., Ocala.

The dining and community hub is expected to open during the winter of early 2026.

Planet Smoothie

Plant Smoothie is a popular smoothie joint that produces fresh and healthy smoothies with the goal of serving great products for customer satisfaction. They originated in 1995 in Georgia, making fruit smoothies guests immediately loved. In 2015, they joined forces with Kahala Brands family, building an even larger team with a farther reach. Now, they’re coming to Ocala in Market Street at Heath Brook between Crumbl Cookie and The Great Greek at 4414 SW College Rd.

Although an official date has not yet been announced, construction is currently underway with a sign indicating their place in the shopping plaza.

Publix Shopping Center

Super popular with southerners and Floridians in particular, supermarket icon Publix already has multiple locations spanning Marion County. Now, a new Publix shopping center location is being built in Marion Oaks with plenty of excitement from locals who have been anticipating a larger market in the community. It will be taking over the intersection between SW Hwy 484 and SW 49th Court Rd.

No specific date has been released for opening at this time.

Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s is a popular chain restaurant known for their chicken tenders and sauces, and one location is already open in Gainesville. The restaurant is now coming to its first location in Marion County at the Ocala West shopping plaza at 2410 SW College Rd., Ocala.

Raising Cane’s is set to open their doors in early 2026.

The Shoppes Off 80th

The World Equestrian has a variety of shops filling the area with high-end fashion, toys, treats, food and more. Visitors can’t get enough of the shopping experience they have to offer, now they will be offering a new experience. The new outdoor shopping will be at the World Equestrian Center at 1750 NW 80th Ave., Ocala.

Although an official opening date has been released, the outdoor shopping center is expected to open in 2026.