New Businesses Coming to Pensacola: Major Openings, Timelines, and What’s Next
Pensacola continues to see steady commercial growth, with several major national brands and large-scale developments either confirmed or moving through construction and permitting stages. From long-anticipated big-box retailers to new restaurants and entertainment venues, these projects point to continued investment in the Pensacola market.
Here’s a breakdown of the most notable new businesses coming to Pensacola, along with projected timelines and current status updates.
Costco Pensacola: Construction Update and Timeline
One of the most searched and discussed developments in the area remains Costco.
Construction is actively underway on the new Costco Pensacola location, with visible progress on site infrastructure, grading, and utility work. The project represents one of the largest retail investments in the region in recent years.
What We Know So Far
Site work and early construction phases are progressing
The store will follow Costco’s standard large-format warehouse model
The development is expected to bring significant traffic to the surrounding area
While Costco does not publicly announce exact opening dates far in advance, current progress suggests a target opening window in late 2026, pending construction milestones and final inspections.
For the latest verified updates, see the full breakdown here:
Costco Pensacola Construction Update: Major Progress on the New Store Site
https://www.mustdopensacola.com/news/costco-pensacola-construction-update-major-progress-on-the-new-store-site
Raising Cane’s Coming to Pensacola
Raising Cane’s is officially confirmed for Pensacola, marking the brand’s entry into the local market.
Location and Timeline
Planned near Cordova Mall along North Ninth Avenue
The restaurant will replace a former Red Lobster building
Renovation-based construction typically allows for faster turnaround
Based on Raising Cane’s build-out timelines in similar markets, the Pensacola location is projected to open mid 2026.
This opening reflects continued interest from national fast-casual brands targeting Pensacola’s growing population and traffic corridors.
Launch Entertainment Family Fun Center
A large indoor entertainment venue is also on the way.
Launch Entertainment has signed a lease for a 31,000-square-foot location on North Davis Highway, bringing a trampoline park and family activity center to the area.
Project Details
One of only a handful of Launch Entertainment locations in Florida
Indoor, weather-independent entertainment
Designed for families, groups, and birthday events
The project is currently projected to open in September 2026, based on permitting and lease announcements.
Downtown Additions and Smaller Openings
Beyond large national brands, Pensacola continues to see growth from locally owned and regional businesses, particularly downtown.
Recent and Upcoming Openings
New cafés and lunch spots downtown
Mixed-use developments adding ground-floor retail
Restaurants tied to larger redevelopment projects
These smaller openings often move faster than national chains and can open with limited advance notice.
Retail and Strip Center Developments
New retail construction along West Nine Mile Road and North Davis Highway includes strip-center developments designed to accommodate multiple tenants.
While specific brands have not yet been publicly announced for all spaces, these projects typically attract:
Quick-service restaurants
Fitness concepts
Medical and professional offices
Specialty retail
Announcements for individual tenants are expected throughout 2026 as leases are finalized.
What This Means for Pensacola
The mix of big-box retail, national restaurant chains, entertainment venues, and waterfront projects signals continued confidence in the Pensacola market.
Key takeaways:
Pensacola remains attractive to national brands
Growth is happening across multiple corridors, not just downtown
Construction timelines are staggered, keeping new openings spread throughout the year
As projects progress, timelines may shift, but the overall trend points to steady expansion rather than short-term spikes.
Staying Updated on New Businesses in Pensacola
Development timelines change, permits update, and openings can move faster or slower than expected. Must Do Pensacola continues tracking major projects and local business openings as new information becomes available.
For ongoing updates, construction progress, and confirmed opening announcements, this guide will be updated as details are released.
