NEW DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT TO DISH UP THE CLASSICS

The former home of a local pizza and pasta joint will soon be dishing out huge burgers, salads and other American favorites.   

Rocking Cafe, a new restaurant on Donnelly, is scheduled to open by mid-November and will feature a casual American menu.  The small cafe's decor pays homage to the music of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.    

Many will remember the location as the long-time home of PizzAmore, a local favorite that moved to a larger 5th Avenue location last year.

The small bungalow setting will soon be serving Rocking Cafe's half pound burgers, mahi fish tacos, Philly cheesesteaks, and deli sandwiches.   On the lighter side, customers can choose from several salads, including the summer salad featuring fresh fruits and greens.  Starters include soft pretzels and pork rind nachos.   Menu items are creatively named after concert jargon that includes a “Sound Check,” “Tour Bus” and “Backstage Passes.”

The cafe's owner, Carl Smith, is an avid collector of rock ’n’ roll memorabilia and plans to rotate the decor with hundreds of pieces from his own collection.   Smith is also providing a guitar and amp outside for customers that would like to play.  Eventually, his plan is to have live music one evening a week.

Smith, a Eustis resident, is a native of Dayton, Ohio, and has been in the restaurant business for over 28 years.  He most recently worked for a restaurant food distributor.

The restaurant is located at 622 N. Donnelly St. and will be open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  On Friday and Saturday the restaurant will be open until 10 p.m. and it will be closed on Sunday.  Beer and wine will be available.

For more new restaurant openings and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, 'like' the Mount Dora Buzz Facebook page and download its free mobile app. ​

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