Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

MOUNT DORA'S WAWA TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION

8/1/2019

In the spring of 2017, Mount Dora residents rejoiced when they learned Wawa, a chain of convenience stores and gas stations, planned to replace the small Shell station on the corner of U.S. 441 and Morningside Drive near Lake Gertrude. The large retailer gained popularity for its variety of fresh take-out food options including made-to-order hoagies, hot breakfast sandwiches, organic coffee, specialty beverages, plus soups, salads and snacks.

Two years later, those same residents are anxiously awaiting any signs of progress.
Mount Dora City Council approved the Wawa project quickly and in 2017 it promptly annexed the approximately 1.25 acre property and re-zoned it as necessary for Wawa to build. However, the City had no control over the company’s internal construction schedules of the over 90 new stores in Florida. Unfortunately for local fans, Mount Dora’s location wasn’t early in Wawa’s construction schedule.

The current timing projects construction to begin in August and an expected opening in the Spring of 2020.

"The timing of our site openings are carefully planned and take into consideration many factors in our overall expansion efforts," a Wawa spokesperson told Mount Dora Buzz last year when it broke ground on three stores in Ocala.

The company’s first Florida store opened in 2012 and it now has well over 100 locations in the Sunshine State including Apopka, Sanford and Altamonte Springs. There are over 790 Wawa locations in the eastern part of the U.S.

"Wawa" is a Native American word for the Canada Goose that inhabited the Delaware Valley over 100 years ago. The company’s original dairy farm that was built in 1902 was located there and that’s why a goose appears on Wawa's logo.

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HOW WINTER GARDEN EARNED ITS VIBE

8/1/2019

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It’s unlike any other city in Florida. Downtown Winter Garden has the authentic vibe of small-town America, yet has integrated trendy dining and shopping options with family-friendly local attractions like the West Orange Trail and its impressive farmers market.

Winter Garden’s seemingly meteoric rise from blight to bustle has been anything but. Its masterful transformation was two decades in the making and required a gutsy vision and dogged commitment that other cities would find difficult to broach, let alone maintain. While other city governments floundered to find direction, Winter Garden officials stepped up with progressive planning, and its elected officials consistently supported the vision resulting in the vibrant Winter Garden of today.

Ironically, from 1960 to 1989, Winter Garden, located 14 miles west of downtown Orlando and a one-time hub for the citrus industry, was in a blighted decline with 80% of its downtown space unoccupied. In 1998 the West Orange Trail connected downtown Winter Garden to other communities and it became a popular destination for bicyclists. The city’s big boom began in 2007, a period when other cities were struggling economically nationwide. By 2012, Winter Garden’s infrastructure investments paid off when the once-blighted downtown business district boasted a 95 percent occupancy rate.

Fast forward to today and Winter Garden’s solid brand is secured with nearly two dozen eateries, a thriving Farmer’s Market, quaint and trendy shops, a brewery and community market and numerous lifestyle assets surrounded by historic or historically-inspired architecture. Mount Dora Buzz sat down with City Manager Michael Bollhoefer for a candid conversation about the secrets of Winter Garden’s success and what lies ahead.

1. critical groundwork

Bollhoefer was quick to cite a few critical first steps that began over two decades ago that helped the city prepare for launch.

In 1992, Winter Garden established a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to gain the tools needed to foster and support the redevelopment of the Downtown Historic District. The goal of the CRA is to promote sustainable economic growth and improve the commercial viability and residential livability of neighborhoods within the area through projects like streetscaping, parks, parking, infrastructure improvements, street trees and landscaping.
1994 - Engaged in collaboration with Main Street America.
In 1996 Winter Garden’s Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This qualified properties for tax incentives to preserve the district. This is a significant milestone because vibrant business districts and quaint neighborhoods improve property values and quality of life. This in turn helps attract quality new businesses and industries to Winter Garden because they are able to lure and retain top talent at companies.
1997-1998 - The West Orange Trail was built through downtown Winter Garden which connected it to other communities and made it a popular destination.

2. a passionate visionary

ABOVE: Crooked Can Brewery

Like all prosperous rebirths, Winter Garden’s sustained success required a steady, driving force. For the City, that has been the focused guidance of Bollhoefer, Winter Garden’s longtime City Manager. He is quick to point out the initial groundwork for the city’s rebirth was done prior to his tenure and he humbly downplays his own importance. However, the results of his vision and policies as well as the praise of those around him say otherwise. City Managers typically have a tenure of two to five years at any given city due to changes in political climate as new city officials are elected. However, Bollhoefer has survived and even thrived under new commissions.

“The City’s success aside, his tenure alone is a testament to his expertise,“ said Amy Martello, Bollhoefer’s Executive Assistant.

Under his leadership the City waived impact fees and assisted with parking to ensure the development of Plant Street Market and Crooked Can Brewery where a rundown apartment complex once stood and is now a destination for residents and visitors.

Bollhoefer’s rise was serendipitous. He joined the City of Winter Garden in 1996 as a temporary employee. At that time the downtown was a shadow of the vibrant place it is today. Eventually, Bollhoefer worked his way up to Finance Director before becoming the City’s top administrator.

3. focus and commitment

ABOVE: Award-winning Winter Garden Farmers Market

Winter Garden’s strategic vision is to be the best small city in the state of Florida. These aren’t just words or a pie-in-the-sky dream, but rather a goal with a sound strategy that requires progressive planning, buy-in from residents, and the foresight and courage of elected commissioners to make thoughtful, difficult decisions to invest in their downtown.

The long-term vision for Winter Garden is to create an authentic place where people want to be. To date, that’s been achieved by making brave choices to continually invest in their community, so private investment will follow. The City also strives to provide the highest quality of life for residents by working diligently to practice sound fiscal management, hire top talent and continually provide quality services. All of these elements increase property values, which results in an increase in tax revenues. That is what is used to pay down the debt necessary for downtown Winter Garden’s strategic redevelopment.

To attract more young families and professionals into residential areas, Winter Garden builds local destinations like its splash pad, Farmers Market and the upcoming new downtown park. In alignment with its goal to attract families, Winter Garden has no businesses that are strictly bars, but rather requires the establishments to be restaurants with bars.

4. high design standards

Downtown Winter Garden has been preserved, in large part, due to its high architectural design standards and attention to details. In some cities, high standards result in project delays and frustrated developers. Not so in Winter Garden. Rather than simply deny a good project or place the burden solely on the developer, the City has provided designers to collaborate with developers in order to meet Winter Garden’s lofty requirements while preventing unnecessary delays. The result is a win-win for the City and the developer.

However, Winter Garden strictly adheres to development rules that ensure buildings fit in with and complement its historic downtown. As a result, the City has turned away developers seeking to build five- and six-story buildings. Interestingly, there are no buildings taller than three stories in the entire city, not just downtown, with the exception of the six-story hospital. Even in the new, larger shopping areas like WInter Garden Village, the architectural design standards are high.

To complement the downtown area’s architecture, the City allocates resources for beautiful landscaping and preservation of its mature oak canopy. It’s no accident that visitors are frequently seen snapping photos of the flowering, cascading vine that envelops the arbors around the fountain on the center median of Plant Street.

5. good public schools

ABOVE: Splash Pad in downtown Winter Garden

In order to attract young families and companies to an area, good public schools are critical. Winter Garden is fortunate to have A and B rated public schools.

6. continual redevelopment

ABOVE: The entrance to downtown Winter Garden on Plant Street

Bollhoefer steadfastly believes in continual redevelopment and that public investment in the community is necessary to attract private investment. These core principles have had impressive results for Winter Garden’s downtown, including successful public-private partnerships and a waiting list for commercial space and residential apartments. Some of downtown’s key redevelopment projects include:

2000-2003 - The $7 million streetscape improvements done during the summer months which included infrastructure, brick streets, wider sidewalks and other details.
2008 - Downtown’s new construction boom included a $10 million City Hall, Garden Theatre, Garden Building and 132 Plant Street Building.
2009 - The completion of the Boyd Street parking lot.
2011 - The opening of the public $250,000 Splash Pad located a stone’s throw from restaurants, shops and the weekly Farmers Market.
2011 - The completion of the 5,000 square-foot Pavilion which serves as part of the Winter Garden Farmers Market.
2015 - The opening of Plant Street Market and Crooked Can Brewery that replaced a run-down apartment complex. It’s now a popular destination for residents from across Central Florida.
2016 - The completion of the three-level, 526-space parking garage.
22 neo-traditional Tremaine Boyd apartments with restaurant and retail on the ground floor.
The award-winning Park Place at Winter Garden townhome development.

7. brand integrity

Winter Garden's authentic small-town brand is built on being a place people and families want to be. Its architectural details, high quality of life and downtown attractions are just some of its features that have built solid brand integrity:

The West Orange Trail runs through the center of downtown WinterGarden and has made it a cycling destination that draws an estimated 100,000 visitors a month.
The award-winning Farmers Market draws 6,000 people every Saturday and serves as a business incubator. It has become a top reason why people decide to move to the City.
The Garden Theater opened in 2008. The 9818 square feet venue has 299 seats, is programmed 365 days a year and draws 60,000 visitors a year.
Plant Street Market and the Crooked Can Brewery is a destination and gathering spot for young families and professionals.
The splash pad provides a refreshing family activity right in the center of downtown.
Fridays on the Plaza is a family-friendly weekly event featuring live music and local artists.
Winter Garden Heritage Museum connects residents and visitors to the city's past with comprehensive exhibits.

8. momentum

Winter Garden’s leaders want to sustain momentum by remaining focused on economic development, continual redevelopment, fiscal responsibility, housing, gateways, and the nurturing of public-private partnerships. These new projects will continue to sustain the city’s enviable momentum for the near future:

A proposed new three-story, 60-room boutique hotel is now in the works, as well as a new City park opposite the Plant Street Market.
Additional public parking near Plant Street Market as a result of swapping out property for the existing ball field.
Construction to begin in early 2020 of a new park across from Plant Street Market that will be designed for special events.
Improved gateways into Winter Garden.

Bollhoefer shared the main lessons he learned along the way, in case other cities wish to follow in Winter Garden’s big footsteps. His suggests for cities to have a clear vision, invest in downtown historic district, do the critical ground work, make architecture a priority, hire the best consultants, redevelopment never ends and it’s all about the details, details, details.

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NEW BIKE SHOP TO EMBRACE MOUNT DORA'S CYCLING CULtURE

8/1/2019

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ABOVE: Shawn Lukens, owner of Adrenaline Bike Works

It’s a small town known for its quaint downtown, vibrant arts community and frequent festivals. Mount Dora also has developed a following among cyclists for its rolling hills, challenging mountain bike trail and annual bicycle festival.

A new enterprise, Adrenaline Bike Works, will be well-positioned to capitalize on the city’s cycling assets when it opens this fall. Shawn Lukens, an avid cyclist, will open the new business in the former home of Mount Dora Museum of Speed, after purchasing the one-story building from Cindy Bogard, another local resident.

The primary focus of Adrenaline Bike Works will be service and repairs, but it will also sell new bikes, including mountain, road and cruiser styles.

Although Lukens, a Lake County Deputy Sheriff, is new to the bike business, he certainly isn’t new to cycling.   About a decade ago, Lukens lost 100 pounds and began road riding to help reach his goal. He dropped the weight, yet gained a new passion when he progressed to off-road riding.

Lukens, 37, who aims to provide cyclists a place to hang out and organize rides, has hired managers with almost 40 years of experience in the cycling business to handle the daily operations of Adrenaline Bike Works.

“I am getting into this business because I love to ride and I love being part of the community,” said Lukens. “Also my 4-year-old and 7-year-old ride and I love seeing kids get out there on bikes and try new things and get better.”

Lukens is hoping to open in October. Adrenaline Bike Works will be located at 206 N. Highland Street in uptown Mount Dora.

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NEW PET SUPPLY STORE TO OPEN IN MOUNT DORA

8/1/2019

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Dog and cat lovers will soon have another place to shop for their pets’ toys and food in Mount Dora. Petsense, owned and operated by Tractor Supply Company, is currently building out its new space in the Mount Dora Marketplace shopping center next to Fitness CF.

According to its website, Petsense offers quality pet products at competitive prices and offers a variety of professional pet services, including grooming. The company also promotes responsible pet ownership through pet adoptions and community involvement.

The chain is a small-box pet supply store based out of Tennessee and, unlike the large box stores, Petsense primarily services small and mid-size communities.

The store is filling the space that was formerly the sanctuary portion of the The Cross of Central Florida. Due to the amount of construction required, an opening date is not available yet.

Petsense is currently accepting applications online for sales associates, as well as dog groomers and bathers for the Mount Dora location.

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MOUNT DORA'S NEW FIFTH AVENUE STREATERY OPENS

7/19/2019

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During the evening hours, the intersection of 5th Avenue and Highland Street is a hub for dining and adult beverages. Now the southwest corner, a converted gas station, is home to a new Southern-fusion restaurant Fifth Avenue Streatery dishes out everything from ahi tuna and steak sandwiches to a Southern Caprese salad and fried green tomatoes.

Mount Dora Buzz was invited to try the casual outdoor dining spot that whips up a wide range of offerings from scratch daily. We ordered the ahi tuna appetizer and the southern caprese salad and corkscrew shrimp. All the dishes were fresh and flavorful and were generously portioned. Unfortunately, there was no room for dessert, but foregoing their port wine peaches crepe, flourless chocolate cake and the bananas foster crepe was torturous.

There were plenty of items on the menu for adventurous and traditional diners, as well as ample gluten-free and vegan options. For those needing something to pair with their food, the restaurant also offers a selection of beer and wine.

The good news for local diners is the prices are refreshingly reasonable for the quality and quantity of food, plus they offer nightly specials. Our prediction is that Fifth Avenue Streatery will fast become a local favorite.

The owners, Eustis residents Tim Habjan and Deborah McGann have hefty restaurant management experience and it shows. McGann develops most of the recipes and manages the back of house duties while Habjan handles the restaurant’s other operations.

Fifth Avenue Streatery is open for lunch and dinner and is located at 846 E. Fifth Avenue in uptown Mount Dora.
Discover more new area restaurants by signing up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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NEW RIVERBOAT-STYLE CRUISES TO BEGIN ON LAKE DORA THIS FALL

7/18/2019

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ABOVE: Brian (B.J.) and Brandy Herron, owners of the Dora Queen.

It’s been two dedicated years in the making: The Dora Queen, a new 149-passenger replica of a paddlewheel riverboat, is inching closer to its maiden voyage.

This week, the City of Tavares approved the lease agreement for the 80-foot, pontoon paddleboat to be based at its Wooton Park docks. The double-decker attraction will temporarily be docked next to the Tavares Pavillion and then relocate near Kalua Hale Beach Club when the City’s docks are complete.

The New Orleans-styled boat with its gray shiplap exterior and red ornamental iron details features two bars, comfortable lounge-style seating and music for passengers to enjoy or dance to during their approximately 90-minute to two-hour Lake Dora voyage. Unlike the other commercial passenger boats currently on Lake Dora, the Dora Queen will be offering pleasure cruises that remain on Lake Dora, rather than narrated boat tours into the Dora Canal. Passengers will be able to board the boat at the Tavares docks and in Mount Dora.

B.J. and Brandy Herron, long-time Mount Dora residents and owners of Steamboat Tours Inc. which will operate The Dora Queen, are planning to offer three scenic cruises a day on Lake Dora, including a sunset cruise. The shaded boat will also be available for private parties with its galley available for caterers. In addition to its daily operations, The Dora Queen will also have special cruises for New Year’s Eve, Mother’s Day, the 4th of July and other events.

The Herrons hope the Dora Queen will begin cruises this fall, but the actual timing will depend on the U.S. Coast Guard’s inspection schedule.

“We wanted a way for locals and tourists to enjoy the beauty of Lake Dora, while offering a unique experience,” said Brandy Herron. “Our goal is to add to the charm of our community with a fun and enjoyable new attraction.”

Two years ago, the couple purchased the Dora Contessa riverboat replica that was docked on the Dead River for several years. Fortuitously, it was the same boat that served as the location of their wedding rehearsal dinner in 2001.

ABOVE: Rendering of the Dora Queen to be based out of Tavares.

Robbie Cunningham, of Trident Pontoon Boats in Tavares, was contracted to build The Dora Queen and incorporate The Dora Contessa’s paddle wheel and other elements into the new and larger vessel. Cunningham and his crew have a solid track record of building impressive commercial pontoon boats for businesses throughout the State.

The Herrons had tentatively planned to base the Dora Queen in Mount Dora, however, Tavares Economic Development Director Bob Tweedie worked with them to secure favorable accommodations for the large boat at the Tavares downtown waterfront. The new pleasure cruises will now complement the vintage excursion train, seaplane rides, restaurants and other businesses based in the City’s entertainment district.

"We look forward to this locally owned business starting operations at the Wooton Park waterfront in Tavares over the next few months. The Dora Queen and America’s Seaplane City partnership demonstrates Tavares is open for business,” said Tweedie.

Stay tuned to Mount Dora Buzz on Facebook for updates on The Dora Queen’s maiden voyage, pricing, schedules and other details as they become available. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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NEW MOUNT DORA POST OFFICE OPENS JULY 8

7/1/2019

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A tiny part of Mount Dora’s small town charm just moved down the road. The city’s small post office had been located on Donnelly Street for decades, but the small building could no longer efficiently serve its growing community.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) cited the demands of that growth as the reason it outgrew the facility and began looking for a convenient, nearby location. After a long search process that had very specific criteria, the building on Old Highway 441 between Dairy Queen and the neighboring shopping center was selected. The space was formerly occupied by Rodeo, a country-western bar.

The building underwent extensive renovations and the new, larger facility allows for improved efficiency, reduced operating costs and better use of its resources, according to the USPS. The new location will open for business on July 8. Mount Dora customers are expected to see little or no charge in their home or business delivery service.

The new post office is located at 2600 Old U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora. The hours at the new location will remain 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. It will be closed on Sundays.

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NEW TAVARES EATERY & PUB CAPITALIZES ON COURTHOUSE LOCATION

7/1/2019

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ABOVE: Owner Randy Connor inside Courthouse Subs & Pub

The location couldn’t be better for hungry and thirsty diners near the Tavares courthouse.

Courthouse Subs & Pub opened on June 1 directly across from Lake County Courthouse in the former location of Zac’s Pressed for Time and Casa Mia. The space suffered serious damage after an electrical fire in 2015, but it has since been remodeled with a warm and spacious interior, as well as shaded outside dining.

The restaurant is operated by its owner Randy Connor and manager Abbey Muick. Connor knows a thing or two about creating successful restaurants in Lake County. His other restaurants, Crazy Gator on the lakefront in downtown Eustis and Kalua Hale Beach Bar on Lake Dora in downtown Tavares, both have strong local followings.

The inviting pub features an appetizing menu of gourmet burgers, 14-inch subs, fresh salads and soups, plus a few Tex-Mex items like steak quesadillas and ultimate nachos. Desserts include housemade brownies and cookies.

Courthouse Subs & Pub also has a full bar with a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. that features $2.50 single well drinks and $3 house wines, Budweiser and Bud Light. For patrons that can’t make happy hour, margaritas are $5 all day, every day.

The restaurant is closed on weekends, due to the courthouse hours. However, on Saturday and Sunday the venue is available for private parties and events. Courthouse Subs & Pub is located at 505 W. Main Street in downtown Tavares.

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LANDMARK MOUNT DORA TAVERN TRANSFORMS INTO SOMETHING NEW

7/1/2019

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What’s old is now new again. Zellie’s Pub, the old school pub on Highway 19 in Mount Dora, changed hands and recently reopened after undergoing a top-to-bottom transformation.

Tilted Grill and Bar opened the first week in June after renovations were completed that include extending the bar and wrapping it in corrugated steel, restoring the original wood floors, new seating and fresh paint inside and out. The new owner, Tanya Evans, brightened the space by removing the dark paneling and using lighter colors for the walls.

The changes aren’t just cosmetic. After Evans came on board in January, she realized changes would be beneficial, including updating the menu. New items now include fish tacos ($9), a black and blue burger ($12), Buffalo chicken salad ($11), fish and chips ($14) and blackened fish salad ($11). Tilted also offers twenty varieties of wings and six different sandwiches or wraps. Evans also kept many of Zellie’s old favorites. Tilted will now be open for breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 7 a.m.

Gone is the Zellie’s tradition of serving peanuts, which now makes the restaurant more friendly to diners with food allergies.

There’s good news for Tilted patrons that miss Zellie’s outdoor activities. Evans will eventually redo the large outdoor space that includes a bar and seating. The overgrown volleyball court will eventually be converted to cornhole and horseshoe games.

Tilted is located at 4025 N. Highway 19 in Mount Dora.

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MOUNT DORA POST OFFICE PROPERTY NO LONGER PARKING GARAGE OPTION

6/19/2019

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One of the most talked about properties to help solve downtown Mount Dora’s chronic parking woes is now off the table. The Mount Dora Post Office property went under contract on June 5 and is expected to close in August.

The current owner of the Mount Dora Post Office property, Barchester Corporation, had been exclusively negotiating a perpetual land lease with Mount Dora officials for 11 months and was awaiting the signed $65,000 annual lease agreement, but instead was advised on May 8 that the City was no longer interested in leasing the property, according to John Seravalli of Barchester Corporation.

The post office is set to open in its new Mount Dora location on Old Highway 441 on July 8, so the relatively last-minute notification left Barchester only two months to market the land lease, an endeavor that typically requires a year of marketing due to lower demand, according to Seravalli. The new time constraint spurred the company to sell the property, which is a transaction that requires a fraction of the marketing window due to the higher number of interested parties.

After a handful of prospective purchasers reached out, Barchester received an unsolicited offer that they accepted. The last commercial property that went up for sale in downtown Mount Dora went under contract within days after its listing.

According to Seravalli, the purchaser has plans to extensively renovate the building.

Meanwhile, the Mount Dora officials now have one less option available to solve its critical parking shortage. Due to the scarcity of remaining options, eyes may turn toward a new garage in the location of the existing downtown parking garage and its neighboring parking lots.

Last year, the City of Mount Dora spent $798,000 for property on Third Avenue and Baker Street to develop a downtown surface parking lot with an estimated 43 to 60 spaces.

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MOUNT DORA MERCHANTS LURE SHOPPERS AFTER HOURS

6/11/2019

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It’s a common refrain from folks strolling along downtown Mount Dora sidewalks after 5 p.m. They ponder why the vast majority of quaint shops close just as patrons arrive at local watering holes and restaurants to enjoy their happy hours and live music offerings.

Well, times may be changing, albeit in small steps. Downtown’s new merchant association, formed last year, will sponsor a new event dubbed After Hours Around Mount Dora in which many stores will remain open until 8 p.m. The event will take place on the second Friday of every month beginning on June 14 with some shops offering special promotions. If evening shopping is well received, merchants may opt to extend their hours with more frequency.

Crissy Stile, owner of Barrel of Books and Games, said her store will be hosting poetry readings by local writers beginning at 6 p.m.

“The newly formed merchant's association, run by and funded by your local merchants, is working on some very cool and fun new events for downtown,” wrote Stiles on her store’s Facebook page.

After Hours Around Mount Dora coincides with downtown’s free Art in the Alley event which features artists selling their creations and live acoustic music along Royellou Alley from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The alley intersects Fifth Avenue near Mount Dora Center for the Arts and JK Thai Garden restaurant. Most downtown galleries are also open for Art in the Alley including Painting Outside the Lines which features 17 artists. Participating galleries are open from 6 to 8 p.m.

After enjoying the art and shopping, customers can head to one of the many downtown restaurants and bars to enjoy their diverse fare, craft cocktails and regular lineup of stellar live music.

Check this weekend’s entertainment calendar for local live music. Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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MONSTER DOUGH TREAT SHOP PLANS MOUNT DORA OPENING

6/1/2019

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Just a few more finishing touches and Mount Dora’s newest treat shop will be dishing out cold treats just in time for this summer’s scorching temps.

Monster Dough, a modern twist on an ice cream shop, will offer light and creamy “rolled” ice cream, as well as house-made edible cookie dough.

Customers can choose from twelve indulgent flavors of cookie dough including chocolate chip, birthday cake, oatmeal pie, peanut butter cup, macadamia nut, sugar cookie and cookie Some will be swapped out for seasonal or holiday flavors, according to co-owner Cara Fitch.

Five signature rolled ice cream flavors will be available daily, plus a create-your-own option. Not to worry, there is also hard scooped ice cream for traditionalists. Later this summer, Monster Dough will introduce its ice cream waffle tacos filled with rolled ice cream, scooped ice cream or cookie dough.

Monster Dough is expected to open at 18950 US Highway 441, Mount Dora, in early June, according to Fitch. Fitch and her husband, co-owner Ryan, also own nearby Modern Fit Nutrition in Mount Dora.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.

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NEW RIB SHACK TO OPEN IN ICONIC MOUNT DORA LOCATION

6/1/2019

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The new BBQ spot opening in Mount Dora has a story behind it that is, literally, straight out of a movie.

Acme Rib Shack is prepping for a June opening in the former location of iconic Sugar Boo’s Bar-B-Que. The new co-owner, Ernie Mosteller, and pitmaster Scotty Clark have decades of BBQ experience and share a dedication to authentic, old-school Southern BBQ.

“We might be new faces to some of y’all, and there’s a new sign going up, but we’re not new to BBQ at all,” said Clark. “We can tell you how good it’s going to be and talk about it all day long, but the proof’s going to be in the food. That’s where we know we can deliver.”

Mosteller, a filmmaker and Mount Dora native, echoed Clark’s confidence. “I grew up standing in line for Mr. Thomas’ ribs in Eustis in the 60s and 70s. That formed an early love for BBQ. My career as a filmmaker has me traveling deep back roads across the South and I’ve been to every little joint I’ve run across,” said Mosteller.

After Mosteller and his wife, Sarah, bought the property, he knew Clark was the man to call. The team will keep things simple by just offering what it does best: ribs, pulled pork, chicken and coleslaw. In the future, they hope to bring in some live blues music to make the experience complete.

Mosteller and Clark met almost a decade ago, when Mosteller was drawn by the irresistible force of BBQ smoke into the yard of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Sorrento. There he met Clark, the pastor and head BBQ cook.

“Scotty told me the story of how the church was built and supported by selling BBQ on the side of the road,” says Mosteller. “I thought it might make a good human interest documentary. Then I tasted his ribs, and had to make the movie, even if it was just to hang around and get some more.”

ABOVE: Ernie Mosteller (left) and pitmaster Scotty Clark (right)

The documentary, “Faith Hope and BBQ,” released in 2014 and available on Amazon, formed a friendship and mutual respect between Mosteller and Clark.

Barbecue is all in the nuances, according to Mosteller. “Seasonings, time, wood choices and other stuff no BBQ man will tell you. It’s an art form.”

The opening of Acme Rib Shack, located at 1305 N. Grandview Street, brings a renewed business vibrancy to the Grandview Business District, which saw the closings of two local favorites, Ivory’s and Sugarboo’s, over the last year.   The team hope to be cooking up ribs for Mount Dora’s annual Juneteenth Celebration on June 22 in the Grandview Business District.

“I grew up in Mount Dora, I love the Northeast neighborhood, and I want Acme to be a centerpiece where everybody wants to be,” said Mosteller.

Acme Rib Shack is located at 1305 N. Grandview Street and will be open Thursdays through Sundays.

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NEW CORNER EATERY TO OPEN IN MOUNT DORA

6/1/2019

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During the evening hours, the intersection of 5th Avenue and Highland Street is a hub for dining and adult beverages. Soon that uptown Mount Dora location, previously home to both a hot dog stand and a burger joint, will be home to a new casual restaurant. Fifth Avenue Streatery is expected to open on the corner across from Mermaid Juice and Jeremiah’s by the end of July.

The convenient location was previously a gas station that was later transformed into a walk-up eatery with outdoor seating., The menu offerings include favorites like flatbreads, gyros and fresh salads that include Mediterranean and Buffalo Chicken options. The owners, Eustis residents with hefty experience in restaurant management, will make all sauces and dressings from scratch.

Fifth Avenue Eatery will be located at 846 E. Fifth Avenue in uptown Mount Dora.

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FROZEN YOGURT & BUBBLE TEA SHOP TO OPEN IN EUSTIS

6/1/2019

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What was once a mundane laundromat, will soon transform into Can’t Top This, a vibrant frozen yogurt and bubble tea shop in Eustis.

Bubble Tea, originally from Taiwan, is a frothy, cold drink made with different flavors of iced tea, specialty sweetened milk and black tapioca “pearls.”   Contrary to the name, there are actually no bubbles.

Enthusiasts and the adventurous can try one of the 25 flavors of milk tea including favorites like taro, Thai tea, mango and additional fruit flavors. Customers who aren’t big fans of tea can try the Popping Lemonades available in various fruit flavors that substitute lemonade for tea.

The small space will feature 10 different frozen yogurt flavors daily, many of which are proprietary blends, according to manager, Deanne Perry.   Can’t Top This will also offer tart, sugar-free and dairy-free yogurt options, plus Italian ice, gelati, milkshakes, smoothies and açaí bowls.

Can’t Top This is expected to open in June at 2810 Bay Street in the Planet Fitness shopping center in Eustis.

Sign up for the free Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates here.  For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.