Update, Jan. 2, 2020: Earlier, we had mentioned Kim Wu Chinese Restaurant on Kirkman Road would be closing in January, but they reached out to share they will be remaining open.
OPENINGS: Cavo’s Bar & Kitchen, the latest concept to give it a go in the space that’s seen a slew of restaurants from Midnight Blue to Truck Stop to, most recently, Felipe Rodriguez Tequila House, has soft opened in Thornton Park. The sports bar serves cocktails and “Northeast-influenced cuisine” like cheesesteaks, Italian sandwiches, wings and more … Bao’s Castle will open inside the Sodo Shopping Center next door to Gator’s Dockside at the end of February. In addition to bao, they’ll serve beer and wine … Local hibachi and sushi outfit Kyoto Sushi & Grill will open next summer in the space recently vacated by Baja Burrito Kitchen in the Colonial Plaza … Look for Baja Fresh Mexican Grill and Built Custom Burgers to open inside the new travel plaza on the south entrance of the Orlando International Airport … Taqueria Las Cazuelas has opened in the space recently vacated by Gyroville at 10360 E. Colonial Drive … Kona Poke has opened its second area location, this one in Sanford at 1813 WP Ball Blvd. The first Kona Poke opened on Wheelhouse Lane in Lake Mary about a year ago … Sonny’s BBQ in Apopka has reopened in a 5,900-square-foot space with a new look complete with modern lighting, seating and decor.
CLOSINGS: Graffiti Junktion on Church Street has closed. Despite our earlier note here, Kim Wu Chinese Restaurant on Kirkman Road will not be closing, after 37 years in business – they plan to keep serving up Mandarin-style lunch and dinner. We received an update from them on Jan. 2, 2020.
EVENTS: Sushi Pop in Oviedo celebrates its ninth anniversary with a special bash on Saturday, Dec. 28. On Dec. 30, they’ll host a nine-course Chef’s Omakase for $99 with seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Go to squareup.com/store/sushi-pop for tickets.
Got restaurant dish? Send tips to dining@orlandoweekly.com
– This story appears in the Dec. 18, 2019, print issue of Orlando Weekly. Stay on top of Central Florida news and views with our weekly Headlines newsletter.
This article appears in The 12 Pups of Christmas.