Morton’s History

1952

Ted Morton, a Nabisco salesman from Tampa, moves his family to Sarasota and begins his grocery career by working for Ed Marable, owner of Marable’s Market – Sarasota’s first full-service independent grocery store.

1969

After seventeen years of service, Ted purchases the market from Mr. Marable and partners with him on the ownership and operation of ‘Simple Sam’s, a smaller market located near Siesta Key.

1978

Marable’s Market is officially renamed ‘Morton’s Market.’ Ted is running the store with his son Eddie. Also joining in are Ted’s wife, Pauline, and sons Denny (DK) and Kenny.

1979

Morton’s undergoes its first major renovation, which includes the addition of a smokehouse, making their BBQ a Sarasota staple.

1997

After forty-five years of the grocery business and at retirement, Ted decides to sell the market to Epicurean Life, Inc. The name is changed again to ‘Morton’s Gourmet Market’ and goes through another significant remodeling. The additions include an expanded kitchen, a bakery & coffee shop, and a fine wine store.

2007

Eddie Morton and his son, Todd, repurchase the market and continue the family’s tradition of supplying their customers with the best food possible and Morton’s unique brand of personal service.

Morton Culinary
Education Fund

The Morton Culinary Education Fund was started in 2010 to award scholarships to Sarasota County High School graduates pursuing a career in the culinary or hospitality field. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and a passion for the food industry and can be used at accredited institutions with formal culinary or hospitality programs. The Community Foundation of Sarasota County administers the MCEF, a 501(c)(3) public charity, so all gifts are entirely tax-deductible.

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