Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

MOUNT DORA TRAIN REACHES END OF LINE TOMORROW

4/19/2019

For decades Mount Dora has seen passenger train operations start and stop for a variety of reasons. Inevitably, a new vintage passenger train always rolled in to fill the void. Train lovers are hoping that happens again after the train ceases its excursion rides to Mount Dora on April 22.

Government regulations require tracks that carry passenger trains be maintained to a higher standard than their freight counterparts. Officials at Central Florida Railroad (CFR) have determined it’s cost-prohibitive to maintain 100-year-old tracks to that high level, according to Pete Petree of Pinsly Railroad Company, the holding company of CFR.

The train operator, Royal Palm Railway, remains committed to the Tavares/Eustis excursion train. Last year the operator experienced strong growth in ridership as visitors rode the nostalgic train into Mount Dora from Tavares and used it as a shuttle into Mount Dora’s large festivals. Additionally, the operator’s Polar Express train and other themed rides have been very successful, according to Neil Bagaus, spokesperson for Royal Palm Railway. He estimates ridership during a 12-month period to be between 100,000 and 125,000.

After April 22, riders will still be able to catch the train at the downtown Tavares station and ride it into Eustis on Thursdays through Sundays starting at 10 a.m.

CFR will return the use of the Mount Dora/Tavares tracks to its main business of freight and storage. Meanwhile, government officials in Tavares and Mount Dora will study the feasibility of resurrecting a passenger train on that section of track or converting it to a trail.

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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DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA BUILDING QUICKLY GOES UNDER CONTRACT

4/17/2019

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ABOVE; 334 N. Donnelly Street went under contract today

Well, it didn’t take long. In fact, it only took four days for eager buyers to snatch up the perfectly located building and parking lot located at 334 N. Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora. The asking price was $2.5 million.

RELATED: Downtown Mount Dora Building Goes up for Sale

The buyers, Michael Ross and Peter Burgess, are not new to Mount Dora real estate. WIth the help of their hard-working agent, Dawn Williams, the couple has made several savvy real estate investments in the city over the years that include the two-story building next door, previously The Lost Parrot, and the building across the street that features successful tenants like Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant and Mount Dora Olive Oil Company.

The acquisition of 334 N. Donnelly Street along with the narrow private alley between it and the former Lost Parrot building allows Burgess and Ross to expand their recently announced Mount Dora Marketplace concept to almost 9,000 square feet, making it more comparable to Plant Street Market in Winter Garden. The anxiously awaited marketplace is scheduled to open by the end of this summer.

The forward-thinking threesome plan to connect the 4,500 square-foot marketplace at the corner of Donnelly and Fourth Avenue to the 4,400 square-foot building under contract by enclosing the alley to create a walk-through beer garden. So far, 12 carefully curated artisanal food vendors from 72 applicants have been selected for the two-story building. The smaller building at 334 N, Donnelly Street will feature some of the quality vendors that couldn’t be accommodated in the original space.

“We have the most amazing vendors ever!,” said Williams, who along with Ross and Burgess, painstakingly vetted the businesses according to their quality, variety, vision and existing following in order to build a well-balanced community inside the market.

Mount Dora Marketplace will be anchored by The Filling Station a craft beer bar. Other businesses already committed to space inside the market are Nosh deli, White Orchid plant and flower retailer, Ceviche Mix, and a juice and mimosa bar. There will also be plenty of decadent dessert vendors like Kathy’s Cupcakes, Yumm Popsicles, Nicole Macaron, Aunt Gingibread’s Bakery, plus a French crepery. The popular Benji’s Donuts of Plant Street Market in Winter Garden will open a large space upstairs.

Artisanal food vendors that differ from the existing vendors can can request an application my emailing mountdoramarketplace@gmail.com. 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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DOWNTOWN MOUNT DORA BUILDING GOES UP FOR SALE

4/15/2019

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It’s been a hub of retail activity for over 25 years, but that could soon change. The unassuming, one-story brick building at 334 Donnelly Street and its adjacent private parking lot, officially go on the market today for $2.5 million. In an area that struggles to meet its demand for parking, a private parking lot is a coveted asset.

Three generations of the same local family, the Pritts, have operated a retail store in that prime location for over 25 years. The first gift store, Country Cottage Crafts, enjoyed a two-decade run after relocating from Alexander Street. In recent years, it transitioned to Every Nook & Cranny and hosted Mount Dora Bikes, a bike share, in its parking lot. Malcolm Yawn Photography, known for wedding and portrait photography, was also in the building for several years before the business moved out last year.

Built in 1950, the 4,440 square-foot building and lot was last purchased in 1994 by its current owner and former shopkeeper, Wayne Pritt, for $300,000.   By comparison, the 4,500 square-foot building next door, previously home to Mr. Cerbiche and The Lost Parrot, quickly sold for $1.75 million just last year. That building does not have its own parking lot.

Although the property didn’t officially go on the market until today, there has already been significant interest in it, according to Pritt, who said he will be patient for the right buyer to come along. With the exception of Main Street Leasing, which has several long-term vacant buildings, most downtown Mount Dora landlords are experiencing enviable retail occupancy rates of 90 to 100 percent with waiting lists.

Retail properties typically have greater value to buyers when occupied, so they have the option to keep the existing tenants. However, Every Nook & Cranny is closing on May 3, which coincides with the end of downtown Mount Dora’s busy tourist season.

Pritt and his wife, Barbara, were active for years in the Mount Dora Village Merchants Association and were previously key organizers of the annual Mount Dora Craft Fair that fills downtown streets every October.

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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MOUNT DORA RESTAURANT CLOSES AFTER SHORT RUN

3/26/2019

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ABOVE: Owner Joan Reidenbaugh preparing to open Jamaica Gardens last year.

Sadly, it was a short run. Jamaica Gardens, the colorful downtown Mount Dora restaurant, served its last customers on Sunday.

The Caribbean eatery opened six months ago and offered traditional Jamaican fare, tropical cocktails and live reggae music on weekends.

Like a lot of visitors to the quaint Central Florida town, Joan Reidenbaugh, a certified chef, fell in love with Mount Dora when she married her husband, Mark, over twelve years ago at the historic Lakeside Inn.

Over a decade later, she decided to transform the large space at 322 Alexander Street which has been home to several restaurants including The Gables, Saucy Spoon, Chef’s Pantry and The Pineapple Place. Jamaica Gardens created an island vibe at the location and cooked up authentic Caribbean cuisine.

It’s no secret that commercial rents can be pricey in downtown Mount Dora, so new business owners typically need plenty of start-up capital plus good business and marketing plans to help them grow a healthy business in a very abbreviated tourist season.

Anyone craving jerk chicken can still get it at the other Jamaica Gardens location in Longwood. 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 RETAIL CONCEPT TO OPEN IN MOUNT DORA

3/26/2019

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ABOVE: Plant Street Market in Winter Garden is a larger scale version of Mount Dora Marketplace (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

It’s been a pipe dream in Mount Dora for years. This summer it will become a reality.

One of downtown’s historic buildings will soon transform into Mount Dora Marketplace, a carefully curated community market. The vacant 4,500 square-foot building, formerly home to Eduardo’s bar and restaurant, will feature a blend of independent businesses in its ground floor. The focus will be on fresh food specialties and select complementary businesses. The intimate spaces will serve as an incubator for small entrepreneurs that seek a presence in Mount Dora, but not the hefty rents that often accompany such a premium location. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating is planned for customers to enjoy their tasty selections.

The concept has proven successful in other Central Florida cities like Winter Garden’s Plant Street Market and Orlando’s East End Market.

Mount Dora Marketplace will be anchored by The Filling Station, a casual, yet upscale, craft beer tap room and eatery. The bar will offer at least 28 craft beers on tap, plus premium wines available by the glass or by the bottle. The name is a nod to the old Texaco gas station that occupied the building many decades ago. Another space in the Marketplace will be an authentic New York-style deli complete with sandwiches made from house-baked bagels, bialys and breads.

In an effort to curate businesses that complement each other, the leasing agent, Dawn Williams, is seeking vendors that offer artisanal cheeses, fresh baked goods, smoothies, handcrafted chocolates, cured meats or other edibles, as well as small indoor plants and fresh cut flowers.

“It’s all about quality not quantity,” said Williams, a Mount Dora resident and real estate agent. “We’re not in a rush because we want to make sure we have the right businesses.” The marketplace will open at 100 E. 4th Avenue sometime this summer when all the spaces are leased and build-outs are complete.

ABOVE: The building that will be home to Mount Dora Marketplace in summer 2019 (Mount Dora Buzz photo)

The building’s owners, Michael Ross & Peter Burgess, divide their time between homes in Miami Beach and Mount Dora. The couple, along with Williams, are excited to create the modern marketplace concept in Mount Dora and anticipate the unique shopping venue will be a welcome new destination for residents and visitors.

Burgess, a commercial real estate professional and Cris-Craft boat owner, was first attracted to Mount Dora when it hosted the Antique Boat Show. Burgess and Ross fell in love with the town and purchased their home and first commercial property in Mount Dora in 2007. Years later the couple purchased the downtown building on the southwest corner of 4th Avenue and Donnelly Street where their tenants include Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant, Mount Dora Olive Oil Company and a jewelry store.

“There aren’t a lot of young entrepreneurs that can afford to open a store in downtown Mount Dora,“ said Ross of the plan for the Marketplace to function as a small business incubator. By offering these small spaces it will open doors for them.”

For the sake of consistency and ensuring a good shopping experience, Mount Dora Marketplace will have set hours for all businesses, said Ross, a retired South Florida event planner. However, the Filling Station will have extended hours.

The goal for the upstairs of the building is to create an entertainment venue that provides options not currently offered in the city, like a comedy club and other acts.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying for space at the marketplace can email Williams at mountdoramarketplace@gmail.com . Readers can stay updated on the Marketplace's opening date and vendors by signing up for the monthly Mount Dora Buzz update here.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download its free mobile app.

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IMPROVEMENTS COMING TO MOUNT DORA'S HISTORIC ALLEY

3/1/2019

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It’s named for Mount Dora’s original namesake. Royellou Alley, wedged downtown between Donnelly and Baker Streets, boasts the city’s historic jail, as well as a vacant shuttered building that’s riddled with broken windows..

Get ready for a major metamorphosis. An investor with CFL Property Group is under a firm contract to purchase 440 Royellou Lane and plans to pump life into the unkempt building by adding unique retail space, as well as offices on the 4,000 square-foot first floor. The historic building, built in 1920, was formerly home to Rehbaum Hardware Store’s warehouse and sits next to the Mount Dora History Museum.

As most downtown Mount Dora landlords are currently enjoying 100 percent occupancy rates for ground-floor space, this property will allow CFL to accommodate some of the businesses on its waiting list.

“It will be great when the broken windows can be a distant memory. I look forward to breathing new life and energy into this interesting piece of Mount Dora history,” said Sandi Weld, property manager and leasing agent for CFL Properties.

ABOVE: Concept rendering by Progress Architecture

The new owners plan to freshen the building’s exterior, and a grant has been pre-approved for its facade renovation which will be revisited with the City of Mount Dora after the deal closes on March 18. Solar power will also be added, similar to CFL’s building at 402 N. Donnelly which is slated to have 117 solar panels installed on its roof by the end of March.

Anyone interested in leasing opportunities should contact Sandi Weld at CFL Properties.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download its free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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NEW NEIGHBORHOOD APPROVED FOR ROUND LAKE ROAD

3/1/2019

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Change is coming. Residential growth in the rural eastern side of Mount Dora has long been expected. It’s now come to fruition with Timberwalk, the recently-approved, 376 home development on Round Lake Road. The style of the homes and white perimeter fencing will be similar to Sullivan Ranch, another residential development on Round Lake Road.

The area’s newest neighborhood will be built next to the elementary school and will sprawl over 170 acres with single-family homes featuring a minimum of 1,300 square feet. Although the project didn’t require a zoning change, it will transform that area of Round Lake Road which currently is predominantly open pastures on low rolling hills. The net density of the development is 2.4 homes per acre.

Although only 46 acres of open space are required, the developer of TImberwalk set aside 70 acres of open space that includes 3.69 acres of wetlands. Among the amenities are a pool, walking trails, a multi-use ball field, as well as community RV and boat storage.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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MOUNT DORA TO LOSE PASSENGER TRAIN

2/27/2019

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Superstitious folks might just feel the tracks are cursed. For over a decade, Mount Dora has seen passenger train operations start and stop for a variety of reasons. Inevitably, a new vintage passenger train arrived to fill the void.

That’s about to change. On April 22, Central Florida Railroad (CFR), which owns the tracks, will cease allowing passenger trains on the section of track between Tavares and Mount Dora.

Government regulations understandably require tracks that carry passenger trains be maintained to a higher standard than their freight counterparts. Officials at CFR have determined it’s cost-prohibitive to maintain 100-year-old tracks to that high level, according to Pete Petree of Pinsly Railroad Company, the holding company of CFR.

The passenger train will continue its excursion rides from Tavares to Eustis which operates on much newer tracks.

CFR will return the use of the Mount Dora/Tavares tracks to its main business of freight and storage and will also explore other opportunities that would not involve passenger trains. The termination date of April 22 cannot be changed and the company is not looking for subsidies from the City of Tavares or Mount Dora, according to Petree. Instead, CFR officials opted to move forward with re-focusing their business on that portion of track.

The train operator, Royal Palm Railway, remains committed to the Tavares/Eustis excursion train. Last year the operator experienced strong growth in ridership as visitors rode the train into Mount Dora from Tavares and used it as a shuttle into Mount Dora’s large festivals. Additionally, the operator’s Polar Express train and other themed rides have been very successful, according to Neil Bagaus, spokesperson for Royal Palm Railway. He estimates ridership during a 12-month period to be between 100,000 and 125,000. After April 22, riders will still be able to catch the train at the downtown Tavares station and ride it into Eustis on Thursdays through Sundays starting at 10 a.m.

As Mount Dora passenger train operations have come and gone, their charm remains woven into the fabric that created the city’s reputation as a quaint, historic town. Gone are the days of Herbie, the little yellow engine beloved for years by local toddlers, followed by the big steam Orange Blossom Cannonball. Now Mount Dorans will bid farewell to Royal Palm Railway and its fleet of refurbished 1940’s passenger cars in what seems to be the sad end of Mount Dora’s passenger train era.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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ADVENTHEALTH ANNOUNCES TOMORROW'S GROUNDBREAKING ON MOUNT DORA MEDICAL PLAZA

2/18/2019

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AdventHealth will break ground on its newest Lake County project, a 22,260-square-foot medical plaza on U.S. 441 near the intersection of Wolf Branch Road in Mount Dora. The two-story $13 million medical plaza, located at 19735 U.S. Hwy 441, will be the first of its kind in Lake County. It will house eight primary care physicians and will provide convenient walk-in primary care and extended office hours.

The plaza is located to care for the growing Sorrento and Mt. Plymouth areas, as well as Mount Dora. The contemporary and efficient design on the large property can accommodate expansion and add additional services, as the second floor will be shelled for future use.

“We considered many locations in the Golden Triangle area and noticed a true need here. We are confident this new medical plaza will give the surrounding residents increased access to excellent healthcare services,” said Abel Biri, Florida Hospital Waterman Chief Executive Officer. The Tavares hospital is also currently expanding its emergency department to keep up with the growing demand.

The medical plaza's architect is Gresham Smith and the main contractor is Robins & Morton. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2019.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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NEW RESTAURANT BRINGS MORE OF NEW ENGLAND TO MOUNT DORA

2/5/2019

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Long ago, as northern tourists flocked to Mount Dora, the small historic town was dubbed the “New England of the South.”   Now a new downtown restaurant is planning to add to that reputation with its award-winning New England seafood specialty.

Tony’s Chowder House is expected to open by Valentine’s Day in the small space on Donnelly Street vacated last year by Rocking Cafe. The free-standing building is up the short hill from the core of downtown Mount Dora’s bevy of shops and restaurants, The finishing touches are being added to the remodeled interior to recreate the nautical decor of an old New England chowder house, according to Bill Martin, one of the restaurant’s owners.

The approximate 12-table eatery is the sister restaurant to the award-winning Tony’s Seafood Restaurant on Cedar Key, owned by Martin’s cousin, chef Eric Jungklaus. That popular establishment has been dishing out casual seafood fare for almost 14 years and is a three-time winner of the Great Chowder Cook-off in Newport, Rhode Island.   Jungklaus is also co-owner of the new Mount Dora restaurant and a local resident.

In the beginning Tony’s Chowder House will offer a limited menu that focuses on their white clam chowder recipe and other soups made from scratch, as well as sandwiches, salads, beer and wine.   Later, the menu will expand to include other offerings like clam strips and fried oysters, and eventually the restaurant will add outdoor dining, according to Martin.

Martin is no newcomer to the business climate in downtown Mount Dora. He and his mother were the original owners of the Whispering Winds gift store on Donnelly Street.

Tony’s Chowder House is located at 622 North Donnelly Street.

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For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN OPENS TEMPORARY ER ENTRANCE

2/2/2019

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As part of AdventHealth Waterman’s $74 million construction project to expand the emergency department and build a new four-story patient tower, the main entrance to the ER will be temporarily relocated on February 1.

Patients can access the emergency department through the main hospital entrance at 1000 Waterman Way in Tavares just off U.S. Highway 441. At this entrance, free valet parking for emergency care will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Signage will aide in directing patients to the ER.

“During this construction process, I want to assure our community that our hospital and emergency department will remain fully operational,” said Abel Biri, AdventHealth Waterman CEO. “This construction project is the single largest investment in a Lake County healthcare facility since our Tavares campus was completed in 2003, and we want to make sure patients know they can still rely on our hospital during their time of critical need.”

In April, the emergency department’s main entrance will reopen as AdventHealth Waterman celebrates the completed construction on its four-story patient tower for women’s services, pediatrics and future growth.

The construction to more than double the size of the emergency department, growing from 35 to 58 beds, is expected to be completed by the end of 2019. This expansion project will improve privacy and patient flow in the ER and add advanced technology for caring for children, seniors and heart attack patients.

Originally built to accommodate 50,000 patients a year, the AdventHealth Waterman emergency department cared for nearly 66,500 patients in 2018, demonstrating a clear need for the hospital to add more beds to the ER.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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TWO LANDLORDS SUCCEED IN BRINGING NEW BUSINESSES TO MOUNT DORA

2/1/2019

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ABOVE: The Creators Corner building on Donnelly and Third Avenue in downtown Mount Dora. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

In a city where some vacant downtown spaces have seemingly become permanent fixtures, at least two downtown landlords have succeeded in leasing their space.

Recently, the two-story building at the corner of Donnelly Street and Third Avenue added three new businesses to its roster of tenants that already included the Jane Slivka Art Gallery in its courtyard. Now there’s only one 935 square-foot space available in the Creators Corner building owned by Carillo Family Enterprises, LLC and managed by Mike Levine of Certified Real Estate Investments, Inc.

FYI Creations, a unique home decor store featuring original handmade items crafted from Florida driftwood and other natural materials, was the first new store to move in and opened in front of Slivka’s gallery.

ABOVE: Angela Kvetiki of Soft Step Shoes

This weekend marks the opening of a new shoe store, Soft Step Shoes, that offers several women’s dress and casual styles, as well as shoes to help with foot pain, including diabetes-related foot issues. The business was formerly located in Lake Square Mall.

In March, a new creative endeavor will open on the Donnelly side of the building vacated by Wallace Fitness. Alexandre and Company will offer DIY craft workshops on a variety of different topics, similar to the “paint and sip” concepts in the area, but offering a broader assortment of classes. Workshops will be held at the space, as well as on location to accommodate groups and parties.

Meanwhile, Sandi Weld of CFL Property Group has achieved an impressive one hundred percent occupancy rate for the company’s retail and residential rental holdings downtown. The most recent retail tenant to move in was Cappadocia Arts, as home decor store featuring handmade Turkish textiles and pottery.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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A FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT CLOSES AFTER A DECADE IN MOUNT DORA

2/1/2019

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Just off the beaten path stood a secret loved by locals for over a decade.    An unassuming walk-up style eatery in the Grandview Business District enticed residents from all over town by dishing up its soulful fare.

Ivory's was a small family-owned restaurant that cooked up family recipes made from scratch, according to owner Maria Thomas. Seating was limited to a couple of outdoor tables, so much of the business was take-out.

The casual and value-driven menu included a wide range of full breakfasts, plus lunches and dinners featuring fresh burgers, sandwiches and wings among other standards. The restaurant, named for Thomas' grandfather, was also known for its soul food specialties like fried catfish, rice and beans, and collard greens.

Now the building is empty, located at 1325 Grandview Street, and residents are left hoping for another business to fill the space and the big shoes that Ivory’s has left.

Thomas built the business from the ground up eleven years ago in Mount Dora's historic East Town area, which is located a few blocks east of Donnelly Street. The concept came from her mother's and aunt's successful restaurant in Fort Lauderdale that shares the same name and recipes.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app.  Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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UNIQUE ETHNIC DECOR STORE OPENS IN MOUNT DORA

1/24/2019

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ABOVE: Store owners Mustafa Muftahi (left) and Tahir Karakoc.

In today’s decorating trend of balancing global decor with contemporary furnishings, finding just the right accessories and fabrics can be an exhaustive search. That’s no longer a problem in Mount Dora where a new shop has brought the rich textiles and ceramics of Turkey to downtown.

Cappadocia Arts, named for the central region of Turkey, opened last week and has an abundance of inventory ranging from trendy kilim and ikat pillows in bold patterns to traditional ethnic rugs and wall tapestries in warm hues. With the atmosphere of a friendly and well-stocked bazaar, store owners Mustafa Muftahi and Tahir Karakoc, both from Cappadocia, share their knowledge of their country’s handmade textiles crafted from natural fibers like wool, silk and cotton. The home decor store also sells mosaic lamps, bedding sets and vibrant hand-painted Turkish pottery.

As a gesture of hospitality, the owners plan to offer customers a cup of complimentary Turkish apple tea, a traditional beverage used to welcome guests into a business, according to Muftahi.

Cappadocia Arts is located at 120 E. 4th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora, next to the old Lost Parrot. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.

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NEW MOUNT DORA STORE GREW FROM FAMILIAR ROOTS

1/22/2019

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Co-owners Henry Ollendick (left) and Joel Maas. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)

Five years ago a creative duo departed Key West and headed for Mount Dora. They quickly set up shop on downtown Mount Dora’s 5th Avenue with the opening of Papilio, a unique gift boutique filled with nature-inspired gifts, art, plants and accessories. The store soon became a favorite destination for local shoppers and visitors to the quaint Central Florida city.

The owners, Henry Olendick and Joel Maas, have a penchant for plants, nature and creating intimate garden areas. In early February, the pair will put their green thumbs and design skills to work with the opening of their second store, Botanica by Papilio just around the corner from the sister store which will continue to sell and expand their popular gift lines.

In addition to selling live plants ranging from hearty succulents to rare ferns and tropical bromeliads, the new store will also sell unique garden accessories like rain chains, bird houses and vintage planters throughout the warm and rustic setting. Botanica will also have inviting outdoor nooks to showcase more plants, water features, bird feeders and huge selection of cement statuary.

For over two decades, the building, next to the landmark Donnelly House, was home to Memories and Marvels. Last March, the co-owner, JoAnn Handley Gregory, passed away and the building has sat vacant ever since. Ollendick and Maas have magically transformed the space with the help of two talented good friends, Tim and Patty Dando. The Dandos own Zen Cowgirl and Florida Farm Tables and used their design and construction skills to build many of the unique custom displays and vintage-inspired furnishings that complete Botanica’s inviting vibe. Maas and Ollendick envisioned creating a neighborhood plant shop, but the fruits of the foursome’s labors went above and beyond what customers would expect.

Gardening-related classes and workshops will also be offered at the store.

Botanica by Papilio is located at 525 N. Donnelly Street in downtown Mount Dora. For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Free subscriptions to Mount Dora Buzz' monthly updates are available here.