ORLANDO, Fla. – Many sectors of the economy are still struggling to bounce back or find their new normal coming out of the pandemic, including restaurants.
Rising rents, rising payroll, supply chain issues and inflation are among some of the reasons for the closure of restaurants across Central Florida.
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Here’s a look at some of the restaurants that shuttered their doors for good in 2023:
Maryland Fried Chicken
The Winter Garden location of Maryland Fried Chicken closed in April after 57 years in business.
The decision to sell came after the restaurant was sold in 2020, during the height of the pandemic.
Ace Cafe
Ace Cafe Orlando, the motor-centric dining and entertainment complex, closed after six years in business in May.
The London-based chain still has locations in London, Kuala Lumpur, Switzerland, Finland and Beijing.
Le Coq Au Vin
Orlando fine dining restaurant Le Coq Au Vin closed in May after 50 years in business.
The chef and owner Reimund Pitz did not give a reason for the closure, saying only, “Sandy and I decided to start the next chapter of our lives.”
Sweet By Holly
Sweet By Holly shuttered for good in June.
The bakery, which had been in business for 15 years in Waterford Lakes, blamed a massive 60% rent hike for the closure. News 6 reached out to the plaza’s owners about the rent hike, but we received a statement saying, “We are unable to discuss the details of Sweet by Holly’s closing.”
The Coop
After nearly a decade in business, The Coop closed up shop in Winter Park in July. The restaurant, which was owned by 4 Rivers founder John Rivers, served Southern comfort food.
Rivers announced the closure in a Facebook post, saying that rising rent costs were to blame.
“A testament to the vibrancy of the Winter Park market, current market rates are unfortunately well beyond what our little business can justify in renewing the lease,” the post read.
KOS Coffee Shop
KOS Coffee Shop closed its original location in Winter Park in July. The coffee shop blamed rising real estate costs, primarily; however, it also said a lack of parking, interior space and not having a kitchen at that location were contributing factors to the closure.
While the Winter Park location closed, KOS’s Maitland location, 449 S. Orlando Ave., remains open.
Linda’s Winter Park Diner
Linda’s Winter Park Diner closed its doors in July after the owner of 35 years decided it was time to retire.
The Central Florida landmark has been around since the 1950s. Decades after it changed hands to Linda D’Auria in 1988, she told News 6 she was retiring and hoping to spend more time with her family.
D’Auria sold the building after closing the restaurant.
Saddle Up
The country-western-themed bar Saddle Up in downtown Orlando shut down in July after a decade in business.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce Saddle Up’s final day will be July 2, 2023,” the post on Instagram read. “Although we are sad to close our doors, we can’t help but reminisce on the countless memorials forged within these walls over the last ten years.”
No reason was given for the closure.
Downtown Credo
Downtown Credo was forced to close its location inside AdventHealth’s Health Village in July.
“Our lease came up and they (AdventHealth) had different ideas for what they wanted to use the space for and so they’re going to do that. The lease just didn’t renew,” said Ben Hoyer, co-owner of Downtown Credo.
AdventHealth ultimately decided to replace Credo with a Starbucks location.
Downtown Credo had opened a location inside the YMCA located at 433 N. Mills Ave. in April, but the closure of the AdventHealth location made it impossible to sustain the operation and that location would ultimately close as well.
Nathan Fields, the director of Coffee for Downtown CREDO, would then take to Instagram to ask for help with getting the business back on solid financial footing, at least for one payroll cycle. This ultimately led to an outpouring of support from the community, helping the coffee shop’s last remaining location — 855 N. Orange Ave. — to stay afloat.
Allen’s Creamery
After 15 years in business, Allen’s Creamery said goodbye in September.
“The town of Windermere is evolving and due to the new Downtown Windermere Property project, it is time for our chapter to end,” the business said in a social media post.
No official reason for the closure was given.
Persimmon Hollow Brewing
Persimmon Hollow Brewing closed down its Port Orange location in November.
The brewery said the closure was part of the “company’s reorganization plan.”
The brewery’s Lake Eola and DeLand locations remain open.
Hungry Pants
Orlando restaurant Hungry Pants shuttered for good in December after four years in business.
The owner, Alex Marin, did not give an exact reason for the closure but said the business has been experiencing financial challenges since it opened up at 3421 S. Orange Ave. in November 2019.
“It was with sheer grit, determination and a commitment to share our concept with our community that we have continued on for the past 4 years,” the social media post announcing the closure read.
Create Your Nature
After seven years in business, the owners of Create Your Nature decided to close their Winter Park store on Dec. 20.
The restaurant offered oatmeal, smoothies, popsicles, salads and acai bowls.
The owners announced the closure in an Instagram post. They also said they hope to release a cookbook in the future.
Thai Basil
After 20 years in business, Thai Basil announced in December that will be closing its doors.
“The owners of Thai Basil have decided to not renew the lease and will be moving forward in their lives,” a letter posted in the restaurant said. “We are forever grateful for all the love, support and generosity over the years.”
The restaurant will remain open into the New Year with its last day in business set for Jan. 31.
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