Historic Ocala Buildings to Become The Forge Entertainment Hub

OCALA, FL – The Forge, a new entertainment and dining destination, is preparing to open at 343 NE 1st Ave, Ocala, FL 34470 in Ocala’s Midtown District. Owners Joel and Sheila Gibson, alongside partners from the Midtown Eatery Group, are transforming the historic property into a multi-restaurant, multi-bar complex designed to offer guests variety and convenience in one location. Gibson told Business Debut that they are aiming to open in mid-December.

A One-Stop Entertainment Complex

The Forge spans approximately 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space across two historic buildings, along with additional container kitchens and kiosks. Parking will be abundant, solving a common challenge downtown.

The main building will feature four to five restaurants, numerous bars, kiosks, a large common area, and several shops. A second building will house Blue Anvil Brewery, a microbrewery with indoor and outdoor seating. Guests can also enjoy container-style kitchens that serve a variety of cuisines, as well as six kiosks that sell coffee, baked goods, and other retail items.

The complex has a unique liquor license that allows customers to walk freely about the site with their drinks, which is uncommon in Ocala.

The Forge projects at least 3,000 visits per week, aiming to attract locals, tourists, and even international visitors attending events at the neighboring World Equestrian Center. It will be open seven days a week, with hours varying by restaurant and bar.

Dining Variety Without Redundancy

The Forge is designed with variety in mind. From Mexican to Asian fusion to pizza, no two eateries will overlap. Guests can expect:

• Blind Eye Restaurant – A prohibition-era inspired two-story venue with live music, a 70-seat bar, and a VIP mezzanine.
• Ignite – Asian fusion with a sushi bar, VIP area, and late-night DJ sets.
• Hammock Bar – A high-end cocktail bar paired with a neighboring tapas restaurant.
• Custom Pizza Concept – Quick-serve pizzas baked fresh in minutes.
• Just Desserts – An ice cream and dessert shop run by co-owner Sheila Gibson.
• Colombian Coffee Kiosk – Serving freshly ground coffee.

While other spaces are still for lease.

“We want people to have a lot of different options. If you come in with a group of 10, everybody could have what they want to eat and drink or whatever they felt like, all in the same complex,” Gibson explained.

Preserving History While Creating the Future

The Forge isn’t just about food and fun; it’s about preserving Ocala’s heritage. The two main buildings date back over a century, having served as the Ocala Iron Works, Turnip Seed Chevrolet in the 1930s, and even the WMOP Radio Station. Much of the exposed brick and historic character has been preserved, blending old charm with modern hospitality.

Gibson brings an engineering and construction background, having founded North Star Battery and multiple factories. For this project, he teamed up with restaurant veterans Wendell Landry, Carlos Sanchez, and Santiago Reynolds of Midtown Eatery Group to ensure the food and beverage offerings are top-notch.

Stay Connected

To follow updates, menus, and events, you may keep an eye out for The Forge’s upcoming website.