Winter Haven

Downtown Winter Haven Restaurant Relocating After 26 Years

El Olivo will continue serving scratch-made Mexican cuisine in its new intimate space.

Image from El Olivo on Facebook

WINTER HAVEN, FL - After 26 years at its longtime home, El Olivo is relocating to a new space at 301 3rd St NW, Unit 363, Winter Haven, FL 33881, with plans to reopen March 3rd pending final permits. Owner Paula Villarreal told Business Debut the move comes after the family lost its lease at the original location.

The restaurant first opened in 2000 and has operated continuously in downtown Winter Haven. While the transition was unexpected, the Villarreal family sees the move as an opportunity to continue the tradition in a space better suited for the next chapter.

Business Debut learned of this story first from What Now.

What to Expect

The new location is in a historic building dating back to the mid-1920s. Villarreal said the space has “its own charm to where people really want to sit back and relax and enjoy the view, enjoy the atmosphere,” told Business Debut.

Unlike the previous 49- to 58-seat setup with outdoor seating, the new restaurant will feature approximately 38 seats, creating a more intimate dining experience. The smaller footprint is intentional, designed to be more manageable as the family prepares for a transition in leadership.

El Olivo has built its reputation on scratch-made Mexican cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients sourced directly by the family. “We make our food. And that’s the authenticity of our business,” Villarreal told Business Debut.

Staples include homemade flour tortillas, made-to-order corn tortillas for specialty platters, fresh pinto beans, rice, enchiladas, chimichangas created by the family, carne guisada and longtime customer favorites such as quesadillas. The restaurant does not offer a full liquor bar but serves beer, wine and wine-based margaritas, keeping the focus on the food.

The new chapter will introduce limited “meal of the day” offerings, such as scratch-made entrees served until sold out. Some legacy items may rotate off the printed menu but will remain available upon request.

The transition also marks a generational shift. The restaurant is now under the ownership of Blanca Elizabet Villarreal and Americo Villarreal, with Paula Villarreal and her husband, Americo Villarreal, stepping back while assisting during the transition. After decades in the business and recent health challenges, the couple is preparing to retire, while their daughter continues the family tradition.

Opening Timeline

The family is targeting a March 3rd reopening, pending final permitting approvals.

Hours

El Olivo plans to operate Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. in winter and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. in summer. Friday and Saturday hours will extend to 7:30 p.m. in winter and 8:30 p.m. in summer.