ORLANDO, Fla. – Hamburger Mary’s Orlando — the downtown bar and restaurant chain known for its drag shows and flamboyant dining experience — is closing its doors next month.
Co-owner John Paonessa made the announcement on the restaurant’s Facebook account, saying that the 110 W. Church Street location has served almost 2 million people since its 2008 opening, and has celebrated “more birthdays, engagements, bachelorette parties, weddings and girls or guys night out than we could ever count.”
The post when on to say that although the area has been great for the LGBTQ+-owned and operated restaurant, times have changed.
“The hustle and bustle of downtown Orlando has given way to a sleepy city with few people working downtown and opting for remote, and less traffic in the evenings.”
The announcement comes less than a year after Hamburger Mary’s sued Florida over its “Protection of Children” law that penalizes businesses letting children attend live performances considered to be “adult” in nature. The owners claimed the law is too vague and limits free speech.
While the restaurant did not go into detail about a future home, talks are currently underway with a couple of venues. The restaurant also said it’s open to new location suggestions from the public.
Hamburger Mary’s is a chain of family locally-owned independent restaurants, with several locations across the United States.
The last day of business in Orlando will be Sunday, June 2.
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