Turci Panino, the next-door sibling to Turci Pasta on Edgewater Drive in College Park, has introduced happy hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with appetizers and glasses of wine or beer starting at $5. There is also something called The Experience, with wine and antipasti for two for $59. Happy, happy, happy.
The Chevys Fresh Mex that moved to Millenia a little over a year ago is virtually up on blocks. The chain restaurant, which is owned by California-based Real Mex Restaurants, Inc., had relocated from its original Central Florida location in Lake Buena Vista, taking over the space that had been Duffy’s Sports Grill, Crave and Village Tavern. Apparently, the only remaining Florida Chevys is in Miami. Real Mex Restaurants is also the parent company of Solita Tacos & Margaritas in the former Wahlburgers space in downtown Orlando.
While we’re on the subject of Mexican or Mexican-adjacent restaurants, Pepe’s Cantina Express, a new offspring of Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grills, will join the stalls at the Marketplace at Avalon Park. Mid April is the target.
Moving on to the Mediterranean, Parea Greek Taverna will take over the corner spot at Maitland City Centre that Outpost Kitchen posted out of late last year. Parea is a project from the owners of Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine. No target date yet.
Two long-established California burger chains are moving into the area. Fatburger, which ironically features smashed patties, has opened a franchise in Celebration. And as many as 10 Jack in the Box restaurants (Jacks in the Box? Jack in the Boxes?). I’m more familiar with JITB because when I lived in Arizona the restaurant’s commercials, which featured nauseatingly cute child actor Rodney Allen Rippy, were aired relentlessly. I remember getting a burger from the drive through once, which was plenty. I’m sure others will find this nugget more exciting.
Rodney Allen Rippy, now in his mid fifties, no longer touts the burgers.
