37 New (& Coming Soon) Florida Restaurants We Found in June 2026
These are all the restaurants we interviewed last month.
We stay busy finding and reporting on restaurants before they open in the Sunshine State. You can browse all of the businesses we reported on last month.
Additional information is available at the link beneath each blurb.
Counties are sorted alphabetically.
Broward County
Mystic Social Club — Dania Beach
Address: 242 East Dania Beach Blvd, Dania Beach, FL 33004
Status: Targeting a fall opening.
What to expect: Caribbean-infused social club and restaurant with indoor-outdoor space, music programming and an attached rental lounge. Manager Philmore McCarthy said the goal is to bring a Caribbean feel to Dania Beach.
Menu highlights: Jerk chicken, jerk pork, conch pasta, oxtail pasta, Trinidadian doubles and Bahamian conch salad.
Entertainment: Live DJs, occasional bands and music styles including soca, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop, R&B, country and more.
Hours: Planned six days a week from lunch through dinner, with happy hour. Exact days and hours are still to be announced.
Who’s behind it: Manager Philmore McCarthy.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe — Hollywood
Address: 5201 Sheridan St, Hollywood, FL 33021
Status: Targeting mid-July, with July 16 as the current goal.
What to expect: New Keke’s Breakfast Cafe location serving the brand’s standard breakfast, brunch and lunch format. The restaurant is expected to seat close to 150 guests.
Menu highlights: Made-to-order breakfast and brunch plates with fresh ingredients, hand-cracked eggs, fresh fruit, real butter, whipped cream and in-house-ground coffee.
More to know: Owner Ijmal Ali is also working on additional Keke’s locations in Pembroke Pines, Tucker and McDonough.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Owner Ijmal Ali.
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe — Pembroke Pines
Address: 10800 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
Status: Targeting October.
What to expect: Second South Florida Keke’s location in development from owner Ijmal Ali. The restaurant is expected to seat about 130 to 150 guests.
Menu highlights: Breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes made to order, with the brand’s focus on fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Owner Ijmal Ali.
Bunkerr Golf Lounge — Plantation
Address: 801 S University Dr Ste C-138, Plantation, FL 33324
Status: Now open.
What to expect: Independently owned golf simulator lounge with three simulator bays, lounge-style seating and space for groups. Guests can book time to play full rounds on virtual courses from around the world.
Experience highlights: The simulators also offer putting and chipping games in a carnival-style format. The space is built for serious practice, casual play, friends and families.
Menu highlights: Beer and wine are currently available. A concessions program is in development with planned items including gourmet hot dogs, flatbread pizzas and quesadillas.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday noon–6 p.m.
Who’s behind it: Owners Nicholas and Laura Kerr.
H & R Sports Bar and Grill — Pompano Beach
Address: 2555 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
Status: Several months away from opening, depending on permitting and buildout.
What to expect: Sports-focused bar and grill designed as a game day destination for fans of all teams. Plans call for close to 40 TVs throughout the restaurant.
Space details: The restaurant is expected to have about 60 indoor seats and 60 outdoor seats.
Menu highlights: Chicken wings, burgers, sandwiches and other American-style bar food. Specialty items are also planned, including a kielbasa Philly and a rotating specialty burger Monday through Friday.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Heather Sink and Rick Sink.
Columbia County
Roadhouse Chicken Co. — Lake City
Address: 14197 US-441, Lake City, FL 32024
Status: Soft opening planned for June 17 at 4 p.m.
What to expect: Chicken-focused restaurant opening inside the same building as the TA truck stop off Interstate 75. Owner Alex Isametdinov considered bringing in a national chicken franchise before deciding to launch his own concept.
Menu highlights: Fried chicken prepared with pressure-fryer equipment, plus plans for traditional Uzbek dishes such as pilaf, shashlik and chicken tabaka.
More to know: The restaurant will include a full bar with wine, beer and liquor. Pool tables and a jukebox are also planned.
Hours: Soft-opening hours are planned daily from 4 p.m.–midnight. Longer-term breakfast, lunch and dinner hours are still to be announced.
Who’s behind it: Owner Alex Isametdinov.
Duval County
Fatboy Fried Rice — Jacksonville
Address: 9745 Old St. Augustine Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32257
Status: Renovations are about 90 percent complete. Exact opening date is still to be announced.
What to expect: First sit-down restaurant for Jacksonville-based Fatboy Fried Rice. The space will serve as both a restaurant and headquarters for the brand’s growing food truck operation.
Menu highlights: Fried rice bowls with proteins such as chicken, shrimp, steak and lobster, plus fries, wings and more. The larger kitchen will also allow the team to add appetizers, additional entrees and specialty drinks.
Drink highlights: Planned beverages include boba drinks and flavored lemonades.
Space details: The restaurant will seat about 60 to 70 guests and operate as a fast-casual concept with kiosks and counter ordering.
Who’s behind it: Co-owners Joshua Valencia and Jun Marc Quinones.
4T’s Eatery — Jacksonville
Address: 6050 Moncrief Rd Suite 13, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Status: Targeting late June or early July.
What to expect: Breakfast and brunch spot returning in a larger Moncrief Road space after previously operating near 8th Street and Phoenix Avenue. Owner Torrey Jones described it as a cozy, old-school place for coffee and a meal.
Menu highlights: Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fish and grits, pancakes, waffles and brunch plates with family-inspired recipes.
Specialty items: Fruity Pebbles waffles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch waffles, Oreo waffles, strawberry pancakes, sweet potato pancakes and sweet potato waffles.
More to know: Jones plans to eventually bring back “Soulful Sunday” soul food plates once operations are established.
Hours: Planned five days a week at launch, likely Wednesday through Sunday. Long-term goal is seven days a week.
Who’s behind it: Owner Torrey Jones. The name comes from four siblings whose names begin with T: Torrey, Timothy, Tiana and Timari.
R&J BBQ — Jacksonville
Address: Mobile food truck based in Jacksonville
Status: Targeting launch after final inspection and licensing, with June 8 as the goal.
What to expect: Mobile barbecue food truck focused on West Texas-style smoked meats. The truck will start by appearing at craft beer events, festivals and similar gatherings.
Menu highlights: Traditional barbecue staples with West Texas influence, plus Puerto Rican and Mexican-inspired items such as arroz amarillo, chicharróns and barbacoa.
More to know: Owner Eli Ellison also creates and distributes seasonings used in barbecue competitions and everyday cooking.
Hours: Early operations will focus mostly on weekends. Event schedules will be posted online.
Who’s behind it: Pitmaster Eli Ellison.
Escambia County
Mister Burger — Pensacola
Address: 5104 North W Street C, Pensacola, FL 32505
Status: Targeting a mid- to late-July opening.
What to expect: Burger-focused restaurant from the group behind Casa Balam, Habitat Kitchen & Bar and Mister Burger in Atlanta. Owner Meet Chauhan said the group plans to open two Mister Burger locations in Pensacola.
Menu highlights: Smash burgers, fries, onion rings and bottled drinks. The menu is expected to include a Single Smash, Double Smash and Impossible burger option.
Sides: Seasoned fries, loaded fries, nacho fries, seasoned onion rings and loaded onion rings. Loaded sides come with chopped beef patty, grilled onions, cheese, chives and house sauce.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Owner Meet Chauhan.
Mini & Me Play Cafe — Pensacola
Address: 960 E 9 Mile Rd, Pensacola, FL 32514
Status: Targeting a July opening.
What to expect: Family-centered cafe and indoor play space designed with parents in mind. The cafe area will allow caregivers to relax with coffee and pastries while supervising children in the playhouse.
Menu highlights: Espresso drinks, croissants, bagels and cream cheese, fruit cups, yogurt and granola, chia seed pudding and more.
Family programming: Art classes, book readings and other children’s sessions are planned.
Memberships: Owner Valeria Barahona plans to offer 100 memberships with 15 hours of play time per month, parent coffee perks, a complimentary class, discounted extra play time and more.
Who’s behind it: Owner Valeria Barahona.
Hillsborough County
Barrio Burrito Bar — Riverview
Address: 9830 Upper Alafia Ct, Suite 101, Riverview, FL 33578
Status: Targeting mid-August if construction continues smoothly.
What to expect: New Riverview location for Barrio Burrito Bar, a Canadian fast-casual Mexican franchise expanding across Florida.
Menu highlights: Tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, chips and salsa, fries, churros and more.
More to know: Catering will be available. Co-franchisee Afiya Fareen said the team plans to turn attention to another location after this one opens.
Who’s behind it: Co-franchisees Afiya Fareen and Priyal Patel.
Slap Burger — Tampa
Address: 14915 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33613
Status: Targeting June 21. The date has not been formally finalized.
What to expect: New York- and New Jersey-born smashburger franchise opening near the University of South Florida. The restaurant will seat about 40 guests and is positioned near student housing.
Menu highlights: Single, double and triple smashburgers; Slap and Flame burger with jalapeños; Slap Melt with two patties and three cheeses; fries; in-house mac and cheese; hot dogs; loaded platters; Nashville-style chicken sandwiches; tenders; shakes; and organic Slap Lemonades.
Hours: Final hours are still to be announced. The team plans to start by operating until about 2:30 a.m., with possible later hours until 3 a.m.
Who’s behind it: Franchisee Kamel Musallet.
ANF Gyros And Grill — Plant City
Address: 1713 James L Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33563
Status: Targeting an opening in about two weeks, pending inspections.
What to expect: New Plant City location for ANF Gyros And Grill. Owner Frank Haouati said it will be the brand’s ninth open Florida restaurant.
Menu highlights: Gyros and grilled items. Grand opening discounts are planned, with specific offers to be announced closer to opening.
More to know: The brand has additional locations planned in Kissimmee and Sanford, both still in construction.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Owner Frank Haouati.
Lee County
My Village Play Cafe — Cape Coral
Address: 1109 Del Prado Blvd S Unit 2, Cape Coral, FL 33990
Status: Targeting an opening in about two to three months, pending permitting.
What to expect: Indoor play cafe combining a front cafe with a children’s playground in the back. The concept is built around the idea that parents need a place to relax, work and connect while children play.
Space details: The footprint is more than 3,400 square feet. Parents will have booths, tables and a bar counter facing the playground, plus camera feeds shown on a cafe TV.
Menu highlights: Coffee, espresso drinks, teas, smoothies, specialty lattes, matcha, panini, children’s items such as dino nuggets, chips and packaged snacks.
More to know: The space will host birthday parties and milestone events.
Who’s behind it: Carolina and Zavier Bravo.
Tacos & Tequila Cantina — Cape Coral
Address: 903 NE 15th Place, Suite 130, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Status: Targeting a public opening about two weeks from the interview, pending final inspections.
What to expect: New Tacos & Tequila Cantina location joining existing restaurants in Naples and Estero. The concept mixes Tex-Mex, American-influenced tacos and traditional Mexican dishes.
Menu highlights: Cheeseburger taco, Backyard taco with pulled pork and fried pickles, buttermilk fried chicken taco, carne asada, chorizo and shrimp street tacos, enchiladas, burritos and sizzling fajitas.
Drink highlights: More than 140 tequilas are planned.
Space details: About 130 indoor seats, including bar seating. A private dining room will sit behind a large tequila display wall.
Who’s behind it: Owners Kelly and Aldo Musico, with director of operations Billy Pfaff.
Marion County
Tap In Tavern — Dunnellon
Address: 20650 SW 80th Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 34430
Status: Full food, beverage and Toptracer operations are targeted about three months after the June takeover, subject to licensing and buildout.
What to expect: Food and beverage concept anchoring Zen Springs Golf Club in Dunnellon. Related Tap In Tavern operations are already active at Zen Woods in Inverness, with another site in development at Zen Oaks in Ridge Manor.
Menu highlights: Wings, shareable appetizers, salads, poke bowls, rice bowls, Korean steak bowls, flatbreads, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fish tacos, kids menu items and desserts.
Experience highlights: Zen Springs plans to add Toptracer technology, night golf, an outdoor bar, food trailer service, music bingo, trivia, live music and nighttime scrambles.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Director of food and beverage Andrew Ferrel.
Miami-Dade County
Plaza De Espana — Miami
Address: 10043 SW 72nd St, Miami, FL 33173
Status: Targeting an opening in about one month.
What to expect: New Spanish restaurant with about 60 seats, dine-in service, takeout and a bar serving beer and wine.
Menu highlights: Full food menu is still pending, but co-owner Iris Duran described the restaurant as 100% Spanish.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Co-owner Iris Duran.
Double Take Market & Eatery — North Miami Beach
Address: 319 NE 167th Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33162
Status: Targeting an opening in two to three months.
What to expect: Combined specialty market and fast-casual eatery where guests can shop for groceries and stay for a meal. The space will include tables for on-site dining.
Menu highlights: Caribbean fusion with Haitian, Puerto Rican, Dominican and American influences. Guests will also be able to select steaks from the meat case and have them cooked on the grill.
Market highlights: Fresh cuts of meat, seafood, specialty dry goods, imported Haitian items, Chef Friol sausage and organic rice.
Hours: Planned seven days a week. Current plans target an 8 a.m.–5 p.m. window for breakfast and lunch, with dinner hours still to be announced.
Who’s behind it: Operating partner Sterline Vil and an ownership group that includes Puerto Rican partners.
Paris Baguette — Wynwood / Miami
Address: 2217 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Status: Targeting an opening within one to two weeks, with construction and permitting in the final stages.
What to expect: First Miami location for the French-inspired bakery cafe franchise. The space spans about 3,000 square feet, with roughly 40 indoor seats and another 20 to 30 outdoor patio seats.
Menu highlights: Croissants, mochi donuts, tiramisu tarts, Portuguese pastel de nata, buns, Danishes, pastries, coffee and tea.
Brand note: Franchisee Cesar Paoli is opening the Miami store as a test for the market and may pursue additional territories if it performs well.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Franchisee Cesar Paoli.
Orange County
Nep Sai Gon Bbq & Hotpot — Orlando
Address: 6817 Eagle Watch Dr #275, Orlando, FL 32822
Status: Targeting an August opening, pending permits and approvals.
What to expect: Vietnamese barbecue and hotpot restaurant built around shared table cooking. The restaurant is located across from Epic Theatres.
Menu highlights: Vietnamese-style grilling, hotpot, rice paper wraps, grilled meats, herbs, sausages and authentic Vietnamese sauces.
Drink program: Beer and wine service is planned.
Hours: The restaurant plans to stay open until 1 a.m. to serve late-night moviegoers from Epic Theatres.
Who’s behind it: Owner Oanh Vo.
Daje Pinsa — Orlando
Address: 7823 Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32809
Status: Targeting fall 2026, with a specific month and date still to be announced.
What to expect: Roman-style pinsa restaurant using imported Italian dough and a long fermentation process. The restaurant is planned as a fast-casual concept with kiosks, table delivery and Roman-inspired design.
Menu highlights: Pinsa made with a blend of three flours, sourdough and extra-virgin olive oil. Planned varieties include Bella Roma, Daje, Mediterranea, Gamberetti and Macellaio.
Design notes: The dining room will feature a custom Roman arch, Colosseum-inspired murals and educational displays about pinsa.
Drink program: Wine and beer are planned.
Who’s behind it: Owner Gabriele Uberti.
Void Restaurant — Orlando
Address: 4910 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL 32810
Status: Targeting an opening within 45 to 60 days, pending approvals.
What to expect: Full-service restaurant being added to an existing lounge and event center. The venue has operated as an event space since 2021 and is expanding to serve nearby residential growth.
Menu highlights: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including sausage egg and cheese bagels, steak breakfast wraps, burritos, waffle and pancake combos, loaded nachos, wings, mac and cheese bites, penne dishes, flatbreads, bowls and fries baskets.
More to know: The restaurant will emphasize air frying rather than traditional deep frying.
Space details: Seating is expected to range from about 160 to 200 across indoor and outdoor areas. Outdoor service and live music during brunch are planned.
Who’s behind it: Eric Aristy.
Alma Argentina — College Park / Orlando
Address: 2304 Edgewater Dr, Orlando, FL 32804
Status: Targeting an opening in about one month.
What to expect: Third location for Alma Argentina, joining existing restaurants in Oviedo and Celebration. The brand is also opening a commissary kitchen in Casselberry.
Menu highlights: Steaks, homemade empanadas, milanesas, beer, Argentine wines and other Argentinian dishes.
Market component: Each location includes Argentine packaged goods. The Casselberry commissary will offer frozen empanadas, prepared meats and Argentine grocery items.
Hours: Planned daily 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m.
Who’s behind it: Owner Marisa Flores.
50’S Diner — International Drive / Orlando
Address: 7223 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Status: Targeting a soft opening this week. Formal grand opening date is still to be announced.
What to expect: 1950s-themed diner with retro music, diner staples and a milkshake-focused menu.
Menu highlights: Quesadillas, burgers, pasta, pizza, fajitas, milkshakes and coffee. Pizza will be made in house.
Space details: The restaurant is about 1,400 square feet with roughly 52 seats, including tables and a few booths.
Hours: Monday closed; Tuesday–Wednesday 4 p.m.–midnight; Thursday–Sunday 11:30 a.m.–midnight.
Who’s behind it: Owners Uriel Rivera and Felipe Osborn.
Don Patron Bistro and Social — Apopka
Address: 34 E Main St, Apopka, FL 32703
Status: Targeting a mid-July opening.
What to expect: Upscale bistro and social concept bringing dining, cocktails and entertainment to downtown Apopka. The restaurant will have a dark, moody atmosphere and a full bar.
Menu highlights: Lamb chops, New York strip steaks, Cajun rice and other American and Latin American dishes.
Entertainment: DJs and musicians are expected, especially on special occasions.
Space details: The dining room is planned for more than 150 guests. The full facility will be about 2,800 square feet.
Hours: Planned daily noon–midnight.
Who’s behind it: Co-owner Jose Acevedo.
Pasco County
Wingsnob — Wesley Chapel
Address: 30203 Wesley Chapel Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33545
Status: Targeting an opening before the end of the year.
What to expect: New location for the growing Wingsnob brand. Franchisee AJ Joshi recently opened another Florida unit in Riverview.
Menu highlights: Bone-in wings, boneless wings, loaded fries, chicken tenders, sandwiches, fan packs and mini sandwiches.
Hours: To be announced.
Who’s behind it: Franchisee AJ Joshi.
Pinellas County
Costa Vida — Palm Harbor
Address: 33505 US Highway 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
Status: Targeting late August, with early September as a backup timeframe.
What to expect: First Florida location for Costa Vida, a fast-casual Mexican brand. The restaurant will open along the U.S. 19 corridor near a new Trader Joe’s.
Menu highlights: Burritos, salads, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, chips and salsa, kids meals and desserts. Guests can choose proteins such as sweet pork, grilled chicken and steak.
Fresh prep: Franchise owner Morgan Smith said meats, toppings and service-line items are prepared daily in-house. Housemade flour tortillas are pressed and cooked on a hot comal in view of guests.
More to know: Smith’s group has a long-term goal of opening three to five Costa Vida locations in the Tampa Bay area.
Who’s behind it: Franchise owner Morgan Smith of Summit Management.
Polk County
Aroma Indian Bar And Grill — Auburndale
Address: 330 Denton Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823
Status: Targeting the end of July, pending permits and construction.
What to expect: Fusion Indian restaurant opening near the Auburndale Margaritaville campground. The restaurant sits on private waterfront property with a dock, patio and lawn.
Menu highlights: Indian street food and global flavors, including Mexican and American dishes, especially for breakfast.
Space details: The dining room will seat at least 120 guests in about 6,000 square feet. The lawn can support private events and weddings for up to about 250 people under a tent.
Drink program: Full-service dining is planned with a bar program supported by a full liquor license.
Hours: Planned seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Exact all-day hours are still to be announced.
Putnam County
Backwoods Country Kitchen — Interlachen
Address: 888 Co Rd 310, Interlachen, FL 32148
Status: Targeting an opening within the next month to six weeks.
What to expect: New family restaurant built around country cooking and cooked-from-scratch plates. Owner Mike Paul said the idea grew from local requests for more dining options in the area.
Menu highlights: Breakfast, lunch and dinner, including country fried steak, pork chops, meatloaf and other homestyle plates.
Space details: The restaurant will seat about 65 guests. The team is also evaluating a beer and wine bar in the back of the space.
Hours: Planned breakfast, lunch and dinner service six days a week, likely closed Mondays. Final hours are to be announced.
Who’s behind it: Owner Mike Paul, who has more than 25 years of restaurant experience across Central Florida.
Seminole County
PCG Burgers — Winter Springs
Address: 5683 Red Bug Lake Rd, Unit 9, Winter Springs, FL 32708
Status: Targeting late July.
What to expect: New fast-casual burger shop from PCG Burgers, joining the existing Winter Garden location. PCG stands for “Pretty Cool Guys.”
Menu highlights: Burgers, fried chicken and shakes. Owner Renan Rodrigues said each burger is designed with a distinct flavor profile.
More to know: PCG prepares food fresh, including in-house breaded chicken.
Expansion plans: Additional locations are planned for Windermere around the end of the year and the Dr. Phillips area next year.
Who’s behind it: Owner Renan Rodrigues.
Azal Coffee — Altamonte Springs
Address: 150 Cranes Roost Blvd Ste 1200, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
Status: Expected to open in the coming weeks, pending final health inspection.
What to expect: Yemeni coffee shop with a large indoor cafe and outdoor patio. Beans will be sourced directly from Yemen.
Menu highlights: Yemeni-style coffee drinks, spiced coffee beverages, Yemeni teas and Yemeni pastries.
Space details: About 3,000 square feet indoors, plus a 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio.
Expansion plans: Franchise owner Mohammed Yahya said future Florida sites under consideration include Tampa, additional Orlando locations and areas in North and South Florida.
Who’s behind it: Franchise owner Mohammed Yahya.
St. Lucie County
Dare Goes Da Pasta — Port St. Lucie
Address: 723 SW Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953
Status: Targeting a September opening, though the official date is still to be announced.
What to expect: Fast-casual pasta and coffee concept from owner Domenick Gonzalez. The 1,200-square-foot restaurant will serve pasta bowls in cartons for takeout or casual dine-in.
Menu highlights: Build-your-own pasta bowls with choice of pasta, sauce and protein. Planned sauces include amatriciana, vodka sauce, pesto, Alfredo, marinara, Bolognese with Latin flavors and a Luciano-style sauce with white wine, tomato, basil, garlic and butter.
Signature bowls: The Brooklyn Bowl will include lemon sauce, white wine, fresh mozzarella and cherry peppers. The Boricua Bowl will feature pernil, peppers, onions and garlic butter white wine sauce.
Coffee program: There Goes The Coffee will serve drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos and espresso.
Hours: Expected six days a week, closed Mondays. Exact daily hours are to be announced.
Who’s behind it: Owner Domenick Gonzalez.
Sumter County
The Yardery — Wildwood
Address: 101 S Main St Unit 2, Wildwood, FL 34785
Status: Targeting summer 2026, with late July or early August as the current goal.
What to expect: Third location for The Yardery, following Sanford and Mount Dora. The Wildwood restaurant is part of a broader downtown Main Street redevelopment.
Concept: Backyard-style food, craft cocktails, local beers, lawn games, live music, family-friendly dining and dog-friendly spaces.
Menu plan: The team will launch with The Yardery’s existing food and beverage program, then use Wildwood as a testing ground for new items, elevated specials and possible tableside preparations.
Location notes: The building sits across from City Hall and near Ms. Kathy’s. Construction is active, with sheetrock going up.
Who’s behind it: Partners Eric Kushnick and Chef Driss Tahiri.
Tacos & Tequila Cantina — The Villages
Address: 6994 Eastport Drive, The Villages, FL 32163
Status: Construction has started, with operations targeted in 90 to 120 days.
What to expect: Larger Tacos & Tequila Cantina location planned for Eastport Town Center. This restaurant will introduce the brand’s first outdoor bar with a stage.
Menu highlights: Expected to follow the brand’s Tex-Mex and Mexican menu, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, fajitas and a large tequila program.
Entertainment angle: The outdoor bar and stage are designed to support The Villages’ entertainment-driven community setting.
Who’s behind it: Owners Kelly and Aldo Musico, with director of operations Billy Pfaff.
Volusia County
Double Dippin’ — Holly Hill
Address: 235 Riverside Dr Suite 85, Holly Hill, FL 32117
Status: Targeting a December opening.
What to expect: Award-winning food truck Double Dippin’ is preparing its first brick-and-mortar restaurant. Owner Alyssa Allred has operated the truck for four years and built the concept around birria.
Menu highlights: Birria beef and chicken used in tacos, grilled cheese sandwiches, quesadillas and ramen bowls.
Space details: The restaurant will include about 1,600 square feet inside plus a 700-square-foot lanai. Seating is expected to include about five tables indoors and six tables outside.
More to know: The restaurant sits next to Riverside Park, where Allred is working with Southern Fellow on ticketed music events.
Who’s behind it: Owner Alyssa Allred.
Two Jerks Tiki Bar & Grill — Port Orange
Address: 79 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, FL 32127
Status: Targeting a late 2026 opening. November or December is the earliest current window, with February or March also possible.
What to expect: Waterfront tiki-style restaurant planned for the longtime former DJ’s Deck property. Owner Michael Freeman’s family has owned the site since the late 1980s.
Menu highlights: Hamburgers, smash burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, fried fish sandwiches and steamed shrimp.
Seafood approach: The restaurant will source much of its seafood from the family’s commercial fishing operation, while also offering more affordable domestic seafood options.
Space details: The team is removing the existing tiki hut, building a larger structure and expanding the waterfront footprint.
Who’s behind it: Owner Michael Freeman and the family behind the Two Jerks seafood operation.
More openings in Coming Soon: Florida
Spanish Restaurant Coming to Miami: Plaza De Espana
Plaza de Espana will serve 100% authentic Spanish dishes.
Mexican Fast Casual Coming to Riverview: Barrio Burrito Bar
The Canadian franchise has been expanding rapidly in Florida.
Authentic Thai Coming to Orlando: Nep Sai Gon Bbq & Hotpot
Look out for Thai hotpot and table side barbecue.
Volusia County Food Truck Opening a Brick and Mortar: Double Dippin'
After four years of mobile service, Double Dippin' will open a brick and mortar.
New Restaurant in Palm Harbor: Costa Vida Coming Soon
Costa Vida is known for its fresh, customizable Mexican dishes.
Coming Soon Orlando: Daje Pinsa
A corporate restructuring led this entrepreneur to open his own business.