Erika Spence: Business in the Park

What’s old is new again

In 2013 the Chamber was proud to announce that Park Avenue was 100 percent leased for the first time in history. The announcement was a seen as a sign of economic recovery. Today our downtown continues to thrive and welcome several new businesses, especially along North Park Avenue. Take a stroll to visit some of our newest additions, including: Simply you…by Stef, Rieker Shoes and Scout and Molly’s.

You’ll also notice that Filthy Rich of Winter Park has relocated from the koi pond area of Shops on Park to a new space along North Park Avenue, and that Belicoso Cigars & Café is coming soon next door. Then, take a detour into the Hidden Garden to stop in envi salon, which opened up in the old Marvaldi space. Finally, the Avenue welcomes Advanced Park Dental in the office building above Panera Bread.

Put on your walking shoes and head to South Park Avenue where you’ll see UMI, a new Japanese restaurant with sushi, sake and a robata grill. Many of these new businesses will be featured at the upcoming Summertime Sip, Shop and Stroll on June 11. The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and is a great time to see what’s in store for the summer months. Details on participating merchants and tickets can be found at winterpark.org.

Off Park business is booming

A rising tide lifts all boats, and business is booming off Park Avenue as well. In the Lee Road area look for Café Noir, a specialty coffee and smoothie bar offering breakfast and lunch options. Coming later this summer at Ravaudage will be the area’s first Zona Fresca, a fresh Mexican dining experience. One more restaurant to put on your list is Noodles and Company. The closest location is in the Florida Mall area, but Winter Park Chamber of Commerce ambassadors were on hand for a ribbon cutting this spring and enjoyed trying this new, fast-casual noodle house.

Along Fairbanks near Interstate 4, a new Kids Urgent Care by Florida Hospital for Children has opened to take care of pediatric health care needs seven days a week. One bonus: they are open until midnight. And finally, to wrap up our recap of new businesses, check out It’s A Trap, a new escape-room style form of entertainment. You may have seen escape rooms on CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory” or even Jimmy Kimmel’s experience on late night TV. The premise is you and up to seven of your friends (or new acquaintances) are ‘trapped’ in a room and have to find clues and answer puzzles to ‘escape,’ with the help of a guide. It’s a great way to spend an hour and the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce team completed a challenge recently with six minutes to spare.

To learn more about local businesses and new Chamber of Commerce members, visit our online membership directory at winterpark.org.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.