Central Florida

Hamburger Mary’s Returning to Kissimmee

Burgers, wraps, and shepherd’s pie are among menu items guests can expect at this Kissimmee bar and grill concept.

KISSIMMEE, FL - John Paonessa and his husband, Mike Rogier, are preparing to reopen Hamburger Mary’s at 5764 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL 34746, in the former Shoney’s building at Old Town. Paonessa told Business Debut the team is targeting the first part of May, with the opening likely landing in the first or second week as buildout and staff training continue.

The reopening marks a new chapter for the brand after 16 years in downtown Orlando. Paonessa said the move gives Hamburger Mary’s more room, more parking and a setting that better fits the guest experience the team wants to offer.

Business Debut learned of this story first from Orlando Weekly.

What to Expect

Hamburger Mary’s describes itself as “an open-air bar and grill for open-minded people,” and the Kissimmee location will continue that mix of restaurant and entertainment. Guests can expect a full-service dining experience with a full bar, indoor and outdoor bar space, brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and a menu that ranges from burgers, salads and wraps to shepherd’s pie and Mexican-inspired items.

Paonessa said the restaurant is known as much for its entertainment as its food. The lineup is expected to include drag shows, trivia and bingo during the week, along with popular brunch productions on Sundays.

While Hamburger Mary’s is known for its burgers, Paonessa said the menu is designed to offer something for everybody. Some core burgers are shared across the franchise, while each location also has room to develop items that fit its market and guest base.

“We enjoy giving guests an experience at Hamburger Mary’s, not just a place to go eat and leave,” Paonessa told Business Debut.

He said the Kissimmee location will also carry forward the larger productions that helped build the brand’s following in Orlando, including themed performances with costumes and choreography that have become a draw for repeat guests.

Opening Timeline

Paonessa said the team is working toward an early May opening. The space needs additional work to “Mary-fy” the former restaurant and prepare it for Hamburger Mary’s service and entertainment format.

The new location will place the business inside Old Town’s entertainment district, which Paonessa said should bring a mix of longtime fans and tourists discovering the brand for the first time.