Orange County continues to welcome new restaurants, stores, and dining concepts throughout the Orlando area. From downtown Orlando to Waterford Lakes, College Park, International Drive, and Apopka, here are several new and upcoming businesses worth watching.
TWO NEW RESTAURANTS COMING TO DOWNTOWN ORLANDO
Two new full-service restaurants are expected to open along Orange Avenue later this year.
Tropix, planned for 100 South Orange Avenue, will offer a Jamaican-inspired fine-dining experience with approximately 80 seats.
A few blocks away, Davanti is planned for 410 North Orange Avenue. The approximately 80-seat restaurant will feature French-inspired cuisine led by chef Joshua Adam Garcia, who has more than 30 years of culinary experience.
Both restaurants received support from the Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency and are expected to open before the end of 2026.
TRADER JOE’S PLANNED FOR WATERFORD LAKES
Trader Joe’s is planning another Orange County location, this time in the Waterford Lakes area.
Permit records show the grocery store is expected to occupy the former Party City storefront at 1444 North Alafaya Trail, in the same shopping center as Hobby Lobby.
Trader Joe’s already operates stores in Winter Park and the Dr. Phillips area. An official opening date for the Waterford Lakes location has not yet been announced.
WHATABURGER PLANS AN ORLANDO RETURN
Whataburger is preparing to return to the Orlando area with a proposed restaurant at 12305 East Colonial Drive in the Town Park Shopping Center.
Plans show a 2,554-square-foot restaurant with a full drive-thru, menu board, canopy, and drive-thru window.
The Texas-based burger chain previously operated in Central Florida before closing its Orlando-area restaurants in 2009. A new opening date has not yet been released.
VIETNAMESE BARBECUE AND HOTPOT COMING TO ORLANDO
Nep Sai Gon BBQ & Hotpot is targeting an August opening at 6817 Eagle Watch Drive in Orlando, pending final permits and approvals.
The restaurant will feature Vietnamese-style barbecue, hotpot, grilled meats, rice-paper wraps, herbs, sausages, and traditional sauces.
The restaurant is designed around shared table cooking and plans to remain open late to serve guests visiting nearby Epic Theatres.
ALMA ARGENTINA EXPANDING TO COLLEGE PARK
Alma Argentina is preparing to open its third restaurant location at 2304 Edgewater Drive in College Park.
The restaurant will serve steaks, homemade empanadas, milanesas, Argentine wines, and other traditional dishes. A small market area will also offer packaged Argentine foods.
The new College Park restaurant joins existing Alma Argentina locations in Oviedo and Celebration.
A NEW RETRO DINER ARRIVES ON INTERNATIONAL DRIVE
A new 1950s-themed restaurant called 50’S Diner is opening at 7223 International Drive.
The approximately 1,400-square-foot restaurant will feature retro music, milkshakes, burgers, pizza, pasta, fajitas, coffee, and other diner-style favorites.
The owners have described the restaurant as the first concept in a larger planned restaurant group.
DOWNTOWN APOPKA WELCOMES A NEW BISTRO
Don Patron Bistro and Social is preparing to open at 34 East Main Street in downtown Apopka.
The upscale restaurant and entertainment concept will feature dishes including lamb chops, New York strip steaks, Cajun rice, and other American and Latin-inspired selections.
The approximately 2,800-square-foot space is also expected to feature cocktails, DJs, live musicians, and seating for more than 150 guests.
ORANGE COUNTY CONTINUES TO GROW
From new grocery stores and national restaurant brands to independent dining concepts, Orange County continues to attract new businesses throughout the Orlando area.
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