All American Cafe, which moved into its new home in February, has closed. In a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page, the owners cited “financial and facility problems” as the reasons. 

But in an unusual twist, All American Cafe’s breakfast will live on, just a few doors away at another restaurant. Holy Smoke BBQ, which opened just last year and had struggles of its own, is taking in the morning crew from All American to offer breakfast service.

“We never here at Holy Smoke served a breakfast,” said the barbecuerie’s owner, Jerrel Davis, “so we got our heads together and said, ‘Gee whiz, let’s get together and offer something for the community.’”

All American’s owner, Danella Schuler, said that about eight to 10 of the cafe’s employees would move to Holy Smoke, including manager Lisa Stone and head cook, Brian Swendsen. 

Holy Smoke BBQ will begin the new breakfast service on Monday, December 3, at 6:30 a.m.; the restaurant will be open daily.

In addition to adding the morning meal, Holy Smoke is gearing up to open an entertainment space that will include regular live music performances and be a catering’special events space for parties and even wakes (there is a funeral home across the street). The entertainment space will open in 60 days or less, said Davis.

All American Cafe had occupied a tiny space on the corner of Fern Creek Avenue and Kaley Street for many years, and its breakfast had won many accolades, not to mention Foodie Awards for its breakfast.

But most of the seating at that spot was outdoors, so when a former Beef O’Brady’s space opened on Curry Ford Road not far away, the owners decided to relocate for the extra seating. (Coincidentally, the new location had no outdoor seating, which some regulars undoubtedly missed.)

Holy Smoke BBQ is at 3000 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, next door to Winn-Dixie.

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