Mount Dora Business and Real Estate - MOUNT DORA BUZZ

NEW RESTAURANT BRINGS MORE OF NEW ENGLAND TO MOUNT DORA

2/5/2019

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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ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN OPENS TEMPORARY ER ENTRANCE

2/2/2019

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.

TWO LANDLORDS SUCCEED IN BRINGING NEW BUSINESSES TO MOUNT DORA

2/1/2019

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.

A FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT CLOSES AFTER A DECADE IN MOUNT DORA

2/1/2019

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

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.

NEW MOUNT DORA STORE GREW FROM FAMILIAR ROOTS

1/22/2019

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.

NEW MOUNT DORA WALK-UP EATERY DISHES OUT FOOD ON THE GO

1/15/2019

Enjoying a relaxed lunch at one of Mount Dora’s many restaurants is just one of the of things people love to do in this quaint Central Florida town. Some days a slow meal just isn’t in the cards, so grabbing a healthy option to go makes sense.

That was the thinking of one downtown Mount Dora restaurant owner when she decided to open her second business in the same building. Jimberly Staubs originally opened The Loft Cafe in 2018 on the second floor of the historic Renaissance Building. The vegan and traditional menu was so well-received by tourists and local residents that she decided to open a small walk-up eatery on the ground floor.

RELATED: Mount Dora Cafe Plans Reopening After Fire

Fresh by the Loft opened this month and serves a light and limited menu for diners to take out or eat in at the counter or small tables. Its main dishes are a fruit and yogurt parfait ($5.95) and acai bowls (small $8.95, large $12.95), made with an acai puree base, fruit and a choice of toppings like coconut flakes, hemp hearts and granola.

RELATED: New Cafe Brings Something New to Mount Dora Coffee Scene

The eatery, with its vintage garden decor, also offers refreshing drinks like frozen lemonade and four flavors of kombucha, a fermented tea beverage served cold in bottles or on draft. Four flavors of smoothies ($5.95) like Strawberry Banana, Tropical and Green are blended using pre-made mixes and ice with optional shots of green or protein ($.50). For customers that need a little jump start, hot and cold coffee drinks, including lattes, cold brew and nitro, are also available.

Fresh by the Loft is located at 411 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.

MOUNT DORA CAFE PLANS REOPENING AFTER FIRE

1/14/2019

It’s been a staple eatery in Mount Dora for years. Now, loyal patrons are anxiously waiting as The Highland Street Cafe undergoes repairs after a small fire crippled its kitchen last Monday.

Mount Dora Fire Department and police were on the scene by 7 a.m. and the fire was contained to a small area of the kitchen and put out with a fire extinguisher. There were no injuries or damage to other parts of the restaurant which won the 2018 Best of Mount Dora award for “Best Breakfasts.”

Related: Mount Dora Brewery on Highland expands offerings

A crew was working to repair the damage and the cafe’s owner, Christine Annis, said she hopes to reopen by Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the timeliness of city approvals. The Highland Street Cafe is located at 185 S. Highland Street in uptown 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.

LAKE COUNTY BREWERY EXPANDS OFFERINGS TO INCLUDE SPIRITS

1/8/2019

ABOVE: Co-owners Jeff Herbst (left) and wife Peggy (right) with mixologist Megan Green (center).

Well known in Central Florida for its house-brewed craft beers, Mount Dora’s only brewery has added craft cocktails to its offerings. Mount Dora Brewing, the popular restaurant and bar located uptown, now serves top-shelf spirits that include Patron, Crown Royale, Ketel One, Jack Daniels Black Label, Chivas Regal, plus single-malt scotches like Oban, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet.

Jeff and Peggy Herbst, the establishment’s owners and long-time Mount Dora residents, added the premium liquors to accommodate customers that may have a thirst for something other than beer and wine. The bar’s mixologist, Megan Green, has created a craft cocktail menu that includes the Hoppin’ Blood Mary, Very Dirty Vodkatini, Bottom of the Barrel Manhattan and a Hazelnut Caramel Irish Coffee.

Nineteen years ago Jeff began crafting beer at home, and eventually his thirst for beer making grew into an unbridled passion. Following the unrelenting call of hops and barley, Herbst spent three years converting his carpentry shop into a full-blown brewery. Mount Dora Brewing, his labor of love, opened its doors in January, 2010.

Herbst's old carpentry tools and a hodgepodge of collectibles hang in the open rafters above the brewery's Tap Room. This is the rustic space where friends gather, great beer flows and live music fills the room on weekends. The brewery also boasts an outdoor beer garden, and the Rocking Rabbit Cafe dishes out lunch and dinner Thursday through Monday to rave reviews, as well as their popular breakfasts Thursday through Sunday.

Mount Dora Brewing and Rocking Rabbit Cafe are located at 405 S. Highland Street in Mount Dora.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

FLORIDA HOSPITAL IS NOW ADVENTHEALTH

1/2/2019

Florida Hospital facilities, as well as hundreds of physician practices, urgent-care centers and other medical sites across the country, officially became AdventHealth on January 2 as part of a new consumer-centric brand launch.

The change comes several months after Florida Hospital’s parent company, Adventist Health System, announced the organization and its wholly owned hospitals and care sites would adopt the AdventHealth name.

AdventHealth, headquartered in Altamonte Springs, has nearly 50 hospitals, including Waterman Hospital in Tavares, and more than 80,000 team members in nearly a dozen states.

“This is an historic and transformational time for our organization and the communities we serve. We’re building on our rich legacy and stepping into the future with a new name and renewed dedication to caring for the whole person — body, mind and spirit,” said Daryl Tol, president and CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division which encompasses 16 hospitals in the six counties in and surrounding metro Orlando: Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia and Flagler. “We are the only national health-care company based in Florida, and with our hub in Orlando, we will continue to spotlight our world-class physicians, clinical excellence, and growing commitment to research and innovation.”

Throughout the year, AdventHealth will launch new programs and initiatives as part of its commitment to whole-person health, clinical excellence and making health care easier for consumers to navigate. Those initiatives include a new app for patients to manage their health, records and medical needs; a wholeness screening tool in physician practices; and the Center for Genomic Health in Orlando.

AdventHealth was founded in 1908 by Seventh-day Adventists who believed in whole-person health — healing the body, mind and spirit. It has grown into one of the largest nonprofit hospitals in the country, caring for more than two million patient visits per year in metro Orlando alone. AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division encompasses 16 hospitals in the six counties in and surrounding metro Orlando: Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Volusia and Flagler. The Central Florida Division’s care network also includes over 30 CentraCare urgent-care centers; dozens of sports-rehab and imaging centers; and hundreds of physicians, ranging from primary care to a full spectrum of specialties.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here. Free subscriptions to the monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz are available here.

LENNAR BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO DORA PARC DEVELOPMENT

1/1/2019

Perched on a hillside on the southeastern border of Mount Dora just a mile from downtown, sits Dora Parc, with its 38 home sites on 22 cleared acres. After years of no sales, Lennar has purchased the property and is preparing to bring it to market with its own floor plans, pricing and marketing strategy.

Site work originally began on the development in the summer of 2015 by New York City-based Empire Equities and A.R. Bailey Homes. Later, four oversized and brightly-colored plastic penguins (yes, penguins) appeared as a conspicuous art installation at the entrance, a choice that perplexed area residents. In what has been dubbed the “‘Curse of the Penguins,” there were no takers for the two model homes or any of the four upscale models that ranged from 2,574 to 3,365 square feet with prices from $429,000 to $526,000.

Lennar did not purchase those original two models, but will be building its own model in March and offering seven of its own floor plans ranging from a 1,914 square-foot, four-bedroom home to a spacious 3,922 square-foot home with six bedrooms and a basement.

The original Empire Equities development also provided a plague of problems to neighboring Chautauqua homes after mud and runoff spilled into some patios.

Fast forward a couple of years and the penguins are gone and Lennar, a large Florida developer, may have the secret formula to turn the development into a thriving Mount Dora community. The site plan will remain the same, however Lennar is currently changing the grading and adding retaining walls.

At time of publication, pricing has yet to be determined, but it will be the “Lennar Everything Included” pricing model. Dora Parc is located on south Clayton Street at the Orange County line.

For more local news and events for Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.

NEW CAFE BRINGS SOMETHING NEW TO MOUNT DORA COFFEE SCENE

1/1/2019

ABOVE: Co-owner Rachel Pepper, right.

As is typical in small towns, trends take a little longer to arrive. Coffee trends are apparently no different.

Nitro, a coffee that first came on the scene a few years ago, is a kegged cold-brew infused with nitrogen and run through a tap. The result is a cold, frothy black coffee, with an appearance similar to Guiness on tap. Now, to satisfy the yearning of downtown Mount Dora’s coffee aficionados, the nitro trend has landed on Fifth Avenue.

A new coffee spot, Serendipity Coffee, is the latest in a series of cafes in its location. It replaces Cafe Aroma which opened last Spring after its predecessor, The Coffee Branch Cafe, closed. Although the location and the smell of fresh coffee may be familiar, that’s where much of the similarity ends.

ABOVE: Serendipity's Avocade Toast on an 'everything' bagel.

Like The Coffee Branch, Serendipity Coffee is owned by two sisters, both of whom are Mount Dora High School graduates. Rachel Pepper and her older sister Christy Harris are neophytes in restaurant ownership, but are eager share their passion for artisan coffee with the community. In addition to nitro, the cafe serves a variety of other coffees, including espresso, cold brew, pour-overs, flat whites and French press, as well as the traditional lattes, macchiatos and brewed coffee. Serendipity Coffee also features premium teas by Tea Forte. Anyone desiring a nosh can try their sandwiches, soups, avocado toast and bagels, or indulge in one of the many fresh-baked cakes, cookies, and muffins. The sisters are also planning to serve light dinner fare, once a beer and wine license is obtained.

Serendipity Coffee is currently in the process of their soft opening and is located at 144 W. 5th Avenue in downtown Mount Dora and will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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MOUNT DORA'S HOLIDAY WINDOWS LURE VISITORS

12/4/2018

Mount Dora's main attraction during the holidays is either the two-million-plus twinkling lights set in a historic downtown or the marina’s sprawling light display on the shore of Lake Dora. However, downtown’s unique stores have also been attracting onlookers during the season with their impressive holiday window displays.

This year, more shops than ever have elevated their decorating game, to include everything from frolicking elves, recycled doors, upside-down trees, Snoopy, a Christmas palm and more.

Every year all downtown store windows are automatically entered into Mount Dora’s annual Holiday WIndow Competition and a panel of impartial judges stroll the quaint streets to select their favorites. The winners in the three categories are:

MOST CREATIVE WINDOW:

LOVE HOME HARMONY
Can you say “three-peat?” This is the third year in a row this home decor store has taken top honors in the window competition. Its new larger location provided even more space for their impressive decorating and its White Christmas display turns heads from across the street. Love Home Harmony is located at 438 N. Donnelly Street.

BEST TRADITIONAL WINDOW:

PAPILIO
This gift store has a knack for creating stellar window displays and once more, they didn’t disappoint this year. The large window features a Christmas tree made from a recycled vintage door and beautiful traditional accents of the season. Papilio is located at 120 W. 5th Avenue.

MOST WHIMSICAL:

JULIANNE’S COASTAL COTTAGE
As expected, this fun gift shop’s window is anything but typical. The festive Christmas palm tree and whimsical ornaments guarantee smiles from those that behold it. Julianne's Coastal Cottage is located at 135 E. 4th Avenue.

This isn’t the first time these three businesses have won the competition and their annual efforts are appreciated by those that visit downtown Mount Dora for its holiday spirit. The number of honorable mentions in this contest are many, so visitors are encouraged to stroll past the many shops to gawk at the winners and discover their own favorites. Find more holiday events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, click here.

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HUGE ANTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA LURES COLLECTORS TO MOUNT DORA THIS WEEKEND

11/12/2018

Vintage lovers and treasure hunters are getting giddy.

Once again, Mount Dora will play host to Central Florida's massive and eclectic shopping experience November 16, 17 and 18.

Three times a year Renningers Antique Center organizes the Antique Extravaganza, the motherlode of vintage and antique shopping, set in the rambling hills under majestic oaks. Read more

CELEBRITY CHEF SPLITS FROM MOUNT DORA'S 1921

11/8/2018

The celebrity chef that placed Mount Dora on Florida’s culinary map has moved on.

Chef Norman Van Aken, a James Beard award-winner and author of several cookbooks, is no longer affiliated with the Central Florida city’s restaurant “1921 by Norman Van Aken.”

The celebrated chef partnered with Mount Dora resident Ken Mazik, principal of Main Street Leasing, to open the downtown restaurant in a renovated historic home built in 1921. The location had previously housed the iconic Garden Gate Tea Room.

1921, a 150-seat restaurant, opened just over two years ago in August, 2016. Prior to its opening, Van Aken stated he envisioned Mount Dora like an early version of Napa Valley, yet the realities of the demographics were vastly different.

Recent rumors of the parting made the announcement not completely unexpected. Now the restaurant's name will just be 1921. Meanwhile, Van Aken will continue his culinary mission at the acclaimed Norman’s restaurant in nearby Orlando.

Mazik’s company owns several historic buildings in downtown Mount Dora and he was the founder of the area's Carlton Palms educational facility and the Modernism Museum.

For updates on restaurant openings in Mount Dora, Tavares and Eustis, click here. Subscribe to the free monthly issue of Mount Dora Buzz for the area's local news and events.

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