Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

Breakfast fans anticipate Feb. 9 debut of First Watch in Mount Dora

2/2/2026

(Photo credit: First Watch)

Breakfast and brunch lovers in Mount Dora will soon have a new daytime dining option as First Watch, the popular breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain, prepares to open a new location in the city. Known for its fresh ingredients, made-to-order dishes and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant is expected to draw early-morning risers and weekend brunch crowds.

The Mount Dora restaurant will operate during daytime hours only, a hallmark of the brand, and will feature First Watch’s bright, welcoming design and seasonally- inspired menu. The company announced an opening date of February 9. The restaurant will add to Mount Dora’s expanding mix of dining options and is expected to appeal to residents and visitors looking for an alternative breakfast or lunch spot along U.S. 441.

First Watch has built a loyal following around its mix of classic comfort food and modern twists, with many dishes made using cage-free eggs, fresh produce and house-made ingredients. The restaurant is also known for its rotating seasonal menus and fresh-squeezed juices made in -house daily. Among the chain’s most popular menu items are:

Million Dollar Bacon — Thick-cut hardwood-smoked bacon baked with brown sugar, black pepper, cayenne and a maple glaze, about $6.
Avocado Toast — Smashed avocado on multigrain toast topped with lemon, olive oil and Maldon sea salt, around $13.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes — Light, fluffy pancakes with ricotta cheese, lemon curd and fresh berries, approximately $12–$13.
Smoked Salmon & Roasted Vegetable Frittata — Smoked salmon combined with roasted shallots and tomatoes, topped with Parmesan and a light chive cream drizzle and fresh herbs, around $13-$15.
Bacado Omelet — A customer favorite filled with bacon, avocado and Monterey Jack cheese, typically $13–$14.
Steak & Eggs Hash — Seared steak served over crispy potatoes with cage-free eggs and house-made sauces, about $15–$16.
Strawberry Tres Leches French Toast — Thick-cut brioche soaked in sweet cream and topped with strawberries, roughly $14.
Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl — A lighter option featuring quinoa, fresh fruit, almond butter and house-made granola, around $12–$13.
Double Crunch Breakfast Tacos — Crispy tortillas filled with eggs, bacon or carnitas and fresh toppings, about $14.

Prices may vary slightly by location, but the menu is designed to be affordable while offering generous portions.

First Watch was founded in 1983 with a simple concept: focus exclusively on breakfast and lunch, and do it well. What began as a single café has grown steadily over four decades. Today, the company is headquartered in Bradenton, Florida, and operates more than 535 locations in approximately 30 states, making it one of the largest daytime-only restaurant chains in the country.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Lake County’s housing market enters a new phase

2/1/2026

By Brooke Vermeulen
Mount Dora Buzz real estate contributor and Lake County realtor.

Lake County’s residential real estate market showed notable shifts in pricing, sales activity, and time-on-market in December 2025, according to MarketStats by ShowingTime (SmartCharts), which compiles MLS-reported closed sales data. December is the most recent month of fully reported MLS closings available at the time of publication.

A total of 696 homes closed across Lake County in December, representing a 15.6% increase from a year earlier and a 17.2% increase from November. Total closed sales volume reached $293.9 million, up 15.5% compared with December 2024.
Sale prices declined from the same period last year. The median sold price was $365,000, a 4.0% year-over-year decrease. The average sold price was $422,928, effectively unchanged from a year earlier. The average price per square foot was $206, down 2.4% year over year.

Homes took longer to sell compared with the prior year. Median days-on-market rose to 47 days, a 23.7% increase, while average days-on-market increased to 73 days, up 19.7% annually.
Despite longer marketing timelines, sales activity remained steady. Growth in closed transactions and total dollar volume points to continued buyer participation.

Month-over-month data also showed gains. Closed sales increased 17.2% from November to December, and total dollar volume rose 20.2% over the same period.

Overall, December 2025 data reflects a Lake County housing market marked by lower year-over-year pricing, longer time-on-market, and sustained sales volume, based on MLS-reported results rather than projections or estimates.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

“What the Pho” brings Vietnamese comfort food to Eustis

2/1/2026

A new and simple Vietnamese restaurant, “What the Pho,” has quietly become one of Eustis’ most talked-about new dining spots, serving up fragrant bowls of pho and a small menu of classic Vietnamese fare to enthusiastic locals and visitors alike.
Owners opened the restaurant in late 2025 at 459 Plaza Drive in Eustis with a mission to bring traditional Vietnamese white noodle soup — phở (pronounced "fuh") — and other Vietnamese favorites to Lake County. The quality is akin to what diners would find in some of the authentic Asian eateries in Orlando’s Mills 50 District. The small space in the Big Lots shopping center seats about 30 diners and gets busy at lunchtime.

The limited, but tasty, offerings center on flavorful and hearty phở served in a huge bowl, plus fresh Bánh Mì and appetizers at reasonable prices — most falling in the $10–$20 range. Thai tea is also served. Here are just some of the menu items.

Phở Options – Aromatic bowls of steaming rice noodle soup feature options with rare steak, meatballs and assorted beef cuts in savory broth with toppings served on the side.
Spring Rolls – Fresh spring rolls with shrimp and vegetables come with a rich peanut dipping sauce.
Bánh Mì – A traditional Vietnamese sandwich with grilled pork, Vietnamese ham, pork paste, fresh cilantro, and crispy julienned cucumbers and carrots on a fresh baguette (it’s a Mount Dora Buzz favorite).
Korean Barbecue Ribs – Thinly sliced across the bone and loaded with flavor.

On busier days, the restaurant has run out of phở, so it’s best to go early for best selection.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, visit the area's website and download the area's free mobile app. Be sure to follow Mount Dora Buzz's Instagram and Facebook page for more local info.

Business Buzz

Breakfast fans anticipate Feb. 9 debut of First Watch in Mount Dora

Lake County’s housing market enters a new phase

“What the Pho” brings Vietnamese comfort food to Eustis

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

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