The partners behind The Imperial on Park are overseeing the finishing touches to their long-awaited location at 136 S. Park Ave. Co-owner John Washburn and executive chef/co-owner Drew Weisner admit it took a village to realize the vision. “It’s been an extensive collaboration,” Weisner said as he and Washburn allowed the32789 an exclusive February 21 preview.
The pair enlisted a team of designers, artists, and even the help of Weisner’s son, Zach, to renovate the former home of The Parkview over five months of work that began in August of 2024. The décor incorporates hundreds of antique pieces, from a brand new bar and ornate back wall to a teakwood ceiling panel that will backdrop live-music performances. The 2,549-square-foot space has been a labor of love that started with the end of The Imperial’s former Winter Park incarnation.
The bar/lounge/restaurant concept opened at 170 E. Morse Blvd. in 2018 as a sister location to Washburn’s original N. Orange Ave. antique shop/wine bar, The Imperial at Washburn Imports. The Winter Park venue earned a loyal following early in its five-year run thanks to a laid-back atmosphere, live music schedule, and the addition of an eclectic menu of sandwiches, salads, and small plates. The closing was announced in October of 2023 with the contract on its new home finalized shortly after.
Washburn said several artisans pitched in to create the interior features. “We’ve had so many people help make this happen. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of our community.”
The partners are looking to raise the bar they set on Morse Boulevard with a new menu that will blend customer favorites with fresh seafood specials and grilled items for daily lunch and dinner service and a weekend brunch. “We replaced the electric kitchen equipment with gas – we didn’t even have a gas range at the last location,” Weisner said. And the pair are in discussion to increase the number of weekly live music performances without increasing the volume.
“We know Winter Park, we’re from here, we’re not building a big stage and sound system,” Washburn said. “We’re going to continue what we did for five years but just add more of it.”
While showing off the new sign above the entrance, Weisner fielded walk-up questions from passersby on the timeline for opening. Despite a short to-do list, he is keeping a conservative outlook earned through materials delays and holiday schedules that contributed to a longer-than-expected construction period. “We’ll be ready in early March, possibly the second or third week.”
Washburn and Weisner each started their careers with positions at Dexter’s Winter Park and Thornton Park locations, respectively. Washburn said a Park Avenue eatery was something they always hoped for and looks forward to expanding their place in the local restaurant scene.
“Winter Park has a wealth of restaurants, but we want to be that accessible, easy-going place that everyone can stop in during their big evening out or make their big evening out.”
Washburn plans to post social media updates about the upcoming grand opening.
