There is a lot of Central Florida foodie news to report on from reopenings to supporting our frontline and healthcare workers to new openings.
Here is the news you need to know this week:
Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a gradual re-opening of Florida businesses beginning Monday, May 4. The Executive Order excludes Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties.
The Executive Order permits restaurants to open indoor seating at 25% capacity with six-foot distancing between tables and not seating parties larger than 10 and keeping bar counters closed to seating. It also allows for outdoor seating with appropriate social distancing.
The Order mandates that bars, pubs, and nightclubs that derive more than 50% of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages shall continue to suspend the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
Alcohol to go, is still permitted per Executive Order 20-71.
ICYMI, today I laid out Phase One of my Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery. https://t.co/ANwko4bGhZ
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 30, 2020
When Jaleo Disney Springs was closed to the public, owner Chef José Andrés turned the restaurant into one of his World Central Kitchen Commissary locations.
In the few weeks it has been in operation, the Commissary has donated more than 5,000 meals to first responders, healthcare heroes, and frontline workers.
A big thank you to Chef Andrés and the volunteer staff of Jaleo Disney Springs!
Winter Park Biscuit Company will be opening at East End Market in Orlando. Owner Mary Westfall debuted her WP Biscuit Co. concept in East End’s courtyard two years ago to lines of people. Look for a late summer opening, offering up vegan goods in the former Bird of Paradise space.
Orlando #plantcurious eatery, Hungry Pants, will be reopening for takeout on Friday, May 1st, from 11am to 8pm daily. Order via their website, by calling ahead, or delivery via UberEats, Grubhub, Postmates and Doordash. They’re located at 3421 S Orange Ave in Orlando.
Market on Magnolia in downtown Orlando has reopened for takeout only, including growlers, cocktails, package beer, and food from Da Kine Poke and 081 Wood Fired Pizza. Plus a free roll of TP with any food purchase.
Taste of Chengdu has announced it is opening a location in the Baldwin Park area of Orlando. The second eatery will also specialize in authentic Sichuan cuisine, and will be opening in the former home of Chi Pan Asian, located at 4856 New Broad Street, in the Publix plaza. They’re planning a summer 2020 opening.
American Social Bar & Kitchen is running a gift card special: buy $50 in gift cards and get an extra $10 OR buy $100 and get an extra $25.
Mondays, enjoy their AmSo Burger and select bourbons & beers for $5 each all day. On Wednesdays, take advantage of their $20 Pizza and & Wine special all day.
They’re also running a promotional game, where each take-out order gets an envelope with an A, M, S, or O on it. Collect all four letters and you’ll get a $25 gift card.
Bites & Bubbles in Orlando has added some guest favorites to their curbside pick-up menu, including: Steak Dianne (beef tenderloin, mushrooms, Dijon brandy sauce); Stuffed Shells (beef stuffed pasta shells, ricotta, sweet calabrian peppers, tomato garlic sauce); Stuffed Avocado (avocado, Ahi tuna, cream cheese, spicy mayo, seaweed salad); and Foie Gras Burger (beef burger, seared foie gras lobe, special sauce, lettuce, tomato).
Krispy Kreme is offering a fresh take on the brand’s iconic Original Glazed and Original Filled doughnuts with three limited-time fruit flavors.
Available April 28-May 1, Strawberry Glazed and Strawberry Kreme Filled Doughnuts are covered in a strawberry glaze, with the Original Filled featuring a light and airy strawberry Kreme.
Available May 5-8, Key Lime Glazed and Key Lime Kreme Filled Doughnuts are covered in key lime glaze, with the Filled doughnut containing key lime Kreme.
Available May 12-15,Lemon Glazed and Lemon Kreme Filled Doughnuts will finish up the limited-time offerings.
Fans can purchase Fresh off the Line Doughnuts either through their local Krispy Kreme drive?thru or by ordering online via Krispy Kreme’s website or app for curbside pickup or for delivery to their doorstep.
Dunkin’ Donuts announced that it’s once again extending its Free Donut Fridays giveaway for another month. If you’re a DD Perks member, you can get a free donut when you buy a drink on any Friday in May 2020. If you’re not a member, it’s free to join.
Per Bungalower, Lobos Coffee Roasters will be opening in the former Marathon Gas Station at 3000 Corrine Drive in Orlando. The menu will also feature sandwiches, croissants, charcuterie boards, and more.
Per the Orlando Sentinel, Miami Grill is looking to bring two new prototypes to the Orlando-area: a Checkers-style quick service with no dining room but two drive through lanes and a walk-up window near UCF, and a fast-casual with indoor seating and a full bar at 5320 N. Orange Blossom Trail, north of Lee Rd.
The brand, a descendent of the popular Miami Subs, already has locations in Kissimmee and Daytona Beach.
ALDI is opening a new store in Lake Nona in the Tyson Corner Plaza, across from Lake Nona High School. The plaza will also be home to Arby’s, Organic Nail Bar, Paradise Grills, Porte Noire, Goodwill, Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, and Chick-fil-A.
As of May 4, all Costco members and guests must wear a face covering that covers the mouth and nose, at all times while inside. This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition.
Costco has also made the decision to turn its Business Center warehouse at 2101 Waterbridge Blvd in Orlando to a Costco.com fulfillment center, effective May 4. The location will be closed to walk-in business and business deliveries.
Heathrow-based Gator’s Dockside has permanently closed its Tampa location due to coronavirus, after 17 years. The other 25 locations of the statewide franchise remain open for takeout and delivery, except Port Canaveral, which is listed as “temporarily closed.”
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