BurgerFi Is Open!

I've been communicating for a few months with some of the people responsible for bring the new BurgerFi restaurant to Park Avenue. It's the fifth BurgerFi, and the first for these franchisees.

Before ever tasting their product I was predicting it would be a big hit. After tasting it, experiencing the environment, I'll stand by that prediction. The member of the group I'd been exchanging e-mails and facebook messages with, a few phone calls wondered about my assertion that there is MUCH anticipation about its opening. I simply explained that when a space is vacant that long and then transformed so completely, people notice, become very curious.

I got my chance to finally eat a BurgerFi burger on Sunday evening and while it probably most reminded me of a Five Guys burger, I did not fail to notice the massive difference in napkins necessary to eat one. There was so little grease and it was all so fresh, delicious. There's lots to check out there, from "Concrete" (a frozen dessert apparently imported from St. Louis), hot dogs, a WIDE variety of burgers, wonderful fries and onion rings, beer and wine. The space is cool, contemporary with some technical innovations I think you'll like. And, I also think you'll LUV this: They'll be open to midnight and 2 a.m. on the weekends! Oh, the new crop of Rollins kids are in luck!

Welcome, BurgerFi!

The Sidewalk Sale this weekend was great! Okay, Friday and Saturday were great. Sunday, uh, Sunday was WET! Hope all the businesses on Park Avenue had a great sales boost and everyone who made it down had a great time. I enjoyed meeting a lot of new people and wrote my column this week all about it, along with a bit of information I think those prone to Park Avenue nostalgia are going to enjoy learning. :-) Yes, I've been teasing it all day, but I think it's simply too good to plop out there like a fish on a table! Patience is a virtue, remember. One shout out to the waiters and waitresses of Prato who swooped into action as the skies opened up on racks of sale items Downeast had out front. Before they knew inside it was even raining, they'd gotten most of the items out of the rain and inside or under the awning. Yeah, it's the neighborly thing to do and they did just what they should. But, sadly, that doesn't always happen these days and a happy employee there was VERY appreciative.

There's a group of Local ladies who would enjoy your support. There are 12 girls, 3 coaches and their families who will be representing the Babe Ruth Softball League in the Regional Championships in Greenville, North Carolina playing against the best teams in the US. The Winter Park team has already been invited to the World Series in Alachua, Florida in August. If you'd like to help support their team by making a donation and becoming a sponsor, they'd LUV the support! These girls are the future leaders of our community. They are learning valuable skills through sportsmanship, teamwork and a tremendous determination. If you'd like to help out, you can do so here: http://www.indiegogo.com/winterpark12U

Lastly . . . . time for another Give A Dog A Home! Today we have Geno, who's temporarily staying at Pet Rescue by Judy. The Orlando Police found Geno and his companions wandering the streets. What a sweet outgoing dog! He seems full of energy and love! He loves to get attention and be played with. He has lots of energy and would probably do great with an active family. Find more information on Geno here, along with many other animals seeking their forever homes: http://www.petrescuebyjudy.com/animals/detail?AnimalID=4618149