ORLANDO, Fla. – Two Orlando bars known for their catchy theming have announced their permanent closures in the downtown area.
In a post to social media channels on Wednesday, the owners of 1UP Orlando and HighT Orlando announced the closure of both venues.
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“For years, we poured our hearts and souls into creating something truly special — a space where imagination ran wild, where reality melted away, and where magic lived in every corner. But despite our passion and relentless fight to keep these dreams alive, the overwhelming financial strain in operating in Downtown Orlando with the restrictions placed on nightlife including the feed from the After Midnight Alcohol Sales Permit (AMS), coupled with the decline of Church Street, has left us no choice but to say goodbye."
In 2023, the city passed an ordinance requiring businesses that wish to serve alcohol after midnight to obtain an after-hours alcohol sales permit.
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1UP Orlando was known for its arcades and video game theming, while its neighboring business, HighT Orlando, pulled inspiration from “Alice in Wonderland.”
Cocktails & Screams, another venture by the ownership team, will continue to operate.
1UP Orlando and HighT Orlando aren’t the only businesses that have pulled out of Church Street recently. Hamburger Mary’s closed its downtown Orlando location last year, and in January, Broken Strings Brewery announced its closure after a decade in the business.
