Orlando’s dining scene has several openings on the way before year’s end, including Pomelo, a cocktail-focused restaurant from Top Chef champion Hung Huynh.
Pomelo is planned for the former Brass Tap space at 1632 N. Mills Ave. in Mills Park. The venue is expected to serve shareable dishes and live-fire cooking with Southeast Asian flavors and Mediterranean influences.
In Winter Park, O-Ku is also expected to open before the end of the year at 1311 Minnesota Ave. in the Minnesota Row mixed-use development. The sushi concept comes from Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which operates Corner Chophouse, with executive chef Cuong Le leading the kitchen.
Kai Kai BBQ & Dumplings is planning a small takeout-focused O-Town West location at 11815 Glass House Lane, next to Kappo Sushi in the former White Castle Crave & Go space. The new outpost, which will include outdoor seating, is expected before the holidays. The Cantonese concept also has a Hills City Center stall in Minneola scheduled to open next month.
Other upcoming openings include Norigami, the sushi counter from Plant Street Market, at Hills City Center; and U-Pho, a pho concept from Kai Kai founders Jerry and Jackie Lau, at the new Enson Market food court near North Alafaya Trail.
Several businesses have recently opened as well: Philly Shack has added a Lake Mary location at 1145 Townpark Ave.; Trader Joe’s has opened at 1444 N. Alafaya Trail in Waterford Lakes; Chez Lui Cafe is operating inside Kalalou Bar & Grill; Coincidence Cafe has opened near the Packing District; and Noon Sweets & Tea is now inside East End Market.
On the closure side, Broken Strings Brewery at 1012 W. Church St. in Parramore is set to pour its last beer Nov. 30. Truffles & Trifles, Marci Arthur’s College Park cooking school, is also closing after more than 40 years.
