2 New Restaurants Opening in Downtown Auburndale (owner intervews)

Auburndale has some exciting new restaurants coming to town, not to mention the recent-ish opening of Haven Coffee Roasters!

Here's who Business Debut has interviewed recently with plans to open in Downtown Auburndale. They also happen to be next door to each other.

Bebos Cajun Kitchen — Auburndale

Address: 117 E Lake Ave, Ste 101, Auburndale, FL 33823

Status: Targeting the first couple of weeks of September. A firm opening date has not been set.

What to expect: Full-service Cajun restaurant from owner Philip Williamson, who described the project as a revival of his former Bebos concepts in Winter Haven. The new downtown Auburndale restaurant will bring back the Louisiana-style dishes that helped build the Bebos name.

Menu highlights: Shrimp and grits, jambalaya, po’boys and other Cajun staples. Williamson said earlier Bebos concepts focused on po’boys and sandwiches because few local restaurants specialized in that style of food.

Space details: The restaurant will have a long, narrow, shotgun-style layout with an alley along the left side for outdoor seating. Williamson said the building reminded him of New Orleans, helping confirm the decision to bring Bebos back.

Design and atmosphere: Plans include Louisiana-themed murals with shrimp boats and Gulf imagery, a full liquor bar and televisions for sports.

Seating: About 85 seats are expected inside, with another 25 to 30 seats planned in the alley depending on the final layout.

Hours: Planned seven days a week. Exact hours are still to be announced.

Who’s behind it: Owner Philip Williamson.

Read our full article: Coming soon!

The Abigaile — Auburndale

Address: 117 East Lake Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823

Status: Opening soon, initially aimed for mid-June.

What to expect: Modern American Cuisine restaurant from chef and owner Tina Calhoon. The Abigaile is going into the former Craven Copper restaurant and brewery space in downtown Auburndale.

Menu highlights: A smaller, flexible menu with regular changes. Guests can expect fish dishes, appetizers, desserts, protein options, vegan and vegetarian dishes, gluten-free options, whiskey, craft spirits and house-made craft cocktails.

Space details: The restaurant will offer full-service dining with indoor and outdoor seating, a craft bar and live music. Plans call for about 80 seats inside and 80 seats outside, including an indoor bar with about 13 seats and an outdoor bar with about 12 seats.

Entertainment: The outdoor area will include a covered bandstand for live music on Friday and Saturday nights, plus Saturday and Sunday daytime performances.

More to know: The Abigaile is the first brand under Curated Restaurant Group Inc., a new restaurant group from the Calhoons. The couple also owns 413 Hospitality Group, which includes Fresco’s Southern Kitchen & Bar in downtown Lakeland.

Hours: Planned Monday through Thursday 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Dinner service will initially be available Friday and Saturday nights, with brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Who’s behind it: Chef and owner Tina Calhoon. Tim Calhoon is vice president of the business.

Read our full article.