ORLANDO, Fla. – With the price of everything going up, from food to utilities, operating a locally-owned restaurant has become more expensive than ever.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation has made it impossible for some owners to continue paying for supplies, labor and rent.
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Here’s a look at some of the beloved independently-owned eateries that closed in Central Florida in 2024 so far.
Note: This list does not contain restaurants that closed and moved locations.
Location: 3097 Curry Ford Road, Orlando
Known for its contemporary Mexican tacos, bowls and ceviches, the owners wrote on social media that the Curry Ford Road location would close at the end of June. The original location remains open in the Mills 50 District.
Location: 908 State Road 436, Casselberry
The vegan diner announced that it has closed its doors just 10 days after taking to social media to plead for customer support.
Location: 323 E. Kennedy Blvd., Eatonville
The vegan Jamaican café and creamery in Eatonville since 2017, has closed, according to chef and owner Jenn Ross.
Location: 1351 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
The restaurant released a statement following its closing stating its lease was expiring, which was why it had to close its doors. The other Central Florida locations, including the ones in Celebration and the Florida Mall, will remain open, according to a spokesperson.
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Garden Bistro
Location: 712 E. Washington St., Orlando
The restaurant in Thornton Park announced on social media that they are closing at the end of June due to their landlord deciding to not renew their lease. Formerly ‘Island Time,’ the restaurant gained popularity for its Sunday drag brunches.
Garp and Fuss
Location: 348 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
The American-fusion restaurant opened in January 2018 in the former home of Bistro on Park Avenue. No official announcement was made by the owners; however, the restaurant has been listed as ‘permanently closed’ since March.
The Southern Deli
Location: 2171 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka
Known for its hand-crafted deli sandwiches, the owners wrote on social media the family-run eatery would close at the end of June due to their lease expiring. “With the rising cost of food and rents, it makes no sense for us to continue,” the post read.
Argos Family Diner
Location: 3346 E. Semoran Blvd., Apopka
After 20 years in business, this laid-back cantina for homestyle sandwiches called it quits. The restaurant said the decision to close was “out of our control” in its social media announcement.
Tijuana Flats
Locations: 40 different restaurants in South and West Florida
The Central Florida-based fast-casual brand filed for bankruptcy protection in April and closed several of its locations after being acquired by new owners. Many of its Orlando-area locations remain open.
Frankie’s Wings & Things
Location: 1981 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne
For 34 years, Frankie’s Wings & Things has been a staple. The Brevard County family-run business closed its Melbourne restaurant in May. The General Manager told News 6 partner Florida Today “our lease is up and we thought it was time and all the family members have decided to retire.” Its Merritt Island, Titusville and Cocoa Beach locations have all shuttered permanently over the years. Frankie’s Beachside at 254 E. Eau Gallie Blvd. remains open.
Wagon Wheel Pizza
Location: 1760 Palm Bay Road NE, Palm Bay
This saloon-style standalone restaurant served red-sauce Italian classics & pizza. After 40 years in business, owner Keith Elwood told Florida Today he closed his restaurant to enjoy retirement.
Villa Palma at the Village
Location: 11 Riverside Drive, Cocoa
The authentic Italian restaurant in Cocoa Village is closing after not being able to renew its lease, according to Florida Today.
My Island Pancake House
Location: 2447 N. Wickham Road #144, Melbourne
This Brevard County family-run chain closed its newest breakfast concept on Jan. 8 and the business lease was quickly replaced by an IHOP. My Island Pancake House still operates its restaurants in Rockledge and Merritt Island as well as My Island Smokehouse in north Cocoa.
Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi
Location: 1112 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Open less than a year along SR-A1A, the owners wrote a confusing message on Facebook saying that they were informed without notice the “employees or vendors had begun the process of closing the restaurant.”
Cavatelli Pasta Kitchen
Location: 175 S. Nova Road Suite 1, Ormond Beach
This Italian restaurant was open for less than four months before suddenly closing. The owner told the Daytona Beach News Journal they do not wish to comment on further details surrounding the closure.
Delcato’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant
Location: 1474 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
This cozy, humble option featured pizzas, pastas and other Italian entrees, plus beer and wine. In May, after more than 30 years of serving Ormond Beach, the owners wrote on social media that they were closing the restaurant but did not specify a reason.
Fysh Bar & Grill
Location: 3633 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange
This large riverfront seafood restaurant closed just two years after opening. According to Hometown News Volusia, the owner’s company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection shortly before the closure was announced.
Last year was a tough year for restaurants and bars too. News 6 compiled a list of establishments that closed in 2023. You can find that here.
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