Mount Dora Business and Real Estate

MOUNT DORA'S NEW FIFTH AVENUE STREATERY OPENS

7/19/2019

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.

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 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.

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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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.

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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Business Buzz

MOUNT DORA'S NEW FIFTH AVENUE STREATERY OPENS

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

NEW MOUNT DORA POST OFFICE OPENS JULY 8

NEW TAVARES EATERY & PUB CAPITALIZES ON COURTHOUSE LOCATION

LANDMARK MOUNT DORA TAVERN TRANSFORMS INTO SOMETHING NEW

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