The upsetting trend of small business demise has claimed another name with the announcement that Winter Park’s Farm & Haus has closed.
A statement from owners Brittany Walsh Lyne and Patrick Lyne was posted to the Farm & Haus Instagram account and expresses gratitude for 10 years in business that started with a takeout counter at East End Market. The company would eventually evolve into a full-service restaurant in one of the region’s most iconic business districts.
“Throughout these 10 years, we started and grew our family, welcoming 3 little ones. We met and formed community with so many of you, both inside the industry and out- many of whom we now call our dearest friends,” reads the statement. “It is no longer just about us, but is now about our family, which every decision is made for.”
The statement goes on to describe the past 18 months as, “the most challenging time that we have faced both personally and professionally,” and references the current economic climate. “Make no mistake, it is a tough time for small business owners everywhere. It is for this reason, and so many others, that we have made the decision to close our doors.”
Farm & Haus transitioned from counter service to full-service in January of 2023, opening at the former Café de France location at 526 S. Park Ave. The 48-seat dining area featured the same farm-to-table philosophy as the East End Market location with a modern farmhouse design. “The biggest challenge, initially, was streamlining production.” Patrick Lyne told the32789 before the soft opening began. “But now the hard part is eliminating some of those items that are not selling as well or proving to be too time consuming.”
According to social media posts, the Lynes were hiring in January and began booking special events in February. The last post before the closing announcement was made on July 14. They could not be reached for comment for this story.
Winter Park’s Ethos Vegan Kitchen closed at the beginning of September with Maitland’s Kappy’s Subs making its announcement shortly after. In each case, management cited rising rents as their reason for closing. “We last renewed our lease in October 2019,” Ethos co-owner Laina Shockley said. “From 2019 to 2024 has been a really long and difficult five years, both for the full-service restaurant industry as a whole, and for our small business and in our personal lives as well. So we made the decision not to renew the lease.”
Patrons took to Instagram and Facebook to post praise and vent about the lack of support that the small business community is receiving. One post to the Farm & Haus Instagram account summed it all up. “Orlando is losing so many small business gems right now. Thank you for your contribution to our community.”
The Lynes ended their closing announcement on an equally poignant note.
“One final thought to carry forward—always choose kindness. We’re all walking this journey together, and the way we lift each other up makes all the difference.”
