A new fast-casual dining experience is coming to a unique Park Avenue space, courtesy of Ghost Kitchen Orlando founders Johnny Nartowicz and Colton O’Dwyer.
Bricks & Bowls will take over the 331 S. Park Ave. storefront that once was home to Palmano’s Trattoria & Wine Bar, Cigarz on the Avenue, and Mon Petit Cheri Café. The menu is based on the quick, healthy philosophy behind Ghost Kitchen Orlando, but with the option of an expansive courtyard dining area. Its “superfood-centric” ingredients have proven popular at the first B&B location in the Mall at Millennia food court, with patrons watching staff assemble the “build your own bowl” option beneath a menu of “brick” sandwiches on made-from-scratch focaccia. But the Winter Park address will bring the business full circle for its founders.
“We felt like Park Avenue was in need of a quality quick-service concept and wanted to be the ones to provide that experience,” O’Dwyer told the32789. He and Nartowicz first met while pursuing degrees at Rollins College Crummer School of Business. “We would frequently take our lunch breaks on Park Avenue, so opening our flagship location there is really a homecoming for us.”
As fitting as the property may be, finding it was an act of kismet when Nartowicz happened upon a streetside advertisement for the retail/café space last year. “He gave the leasing agent a call and about a month later we had signed the agreement,” O’Dwyer said. But the “of the beaten path” address, situated beyond the breezeway between Impeccable Pig and Southern Tide, requires some imaginative solutions for directing foot traffic.
“We intend to have tables with umbrellas, actually out on Park Avenue, to draw customers into the courtyard space,” O’Dwyer said. Awning and breezeway signs, an additional framed sign by the corner of Lyman and Park avenues, and breezeway lighting will also help advertise the location.
Upon arrival, customers will be greeted by a 1,675-square-foot outdoor dining area behind a decorative trellis. Tables will be shaded by large umbrellas and the same counter service format of the Millennia location will be powered by a 1,000-square-foot kitchen. The Park Avenue flagship will also feature two exclusive offerings: Focaccia Pizza and a selection of beer, wine, and hard seltzer.
O’Dwyer estimates Bricks & Bowls Winter Park will open in mid-April. Operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information check bricksandbowls.com.
