Excitement is brewing in Orlando’s Packing District as The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall prepares for its grand opening this weekend! After weeks of dedicated work by developers and vendors alike, the wait is finally over.
A Diverse Culinary Landscape
Step into the food hall at 2105 N. Orange Blossom Trail and prepare to embark on a global taste adventure. Nine of the eleven vendors will be open, offering a delightful range of cuisines from chicken shawarma and Picanha steak to Oreo-cheesecake brownies and Neapolitan-style pizza.
Antica Wood Fired Pizza: Setting the Standard
Two-time Foodie award winner Antica Wood Fired Pizza takes pride in its craft. Chef and owner Paul Jacques has meticulously prepared the new pizza oven and fermented the dough, ensuring the first pies coming out of the kitchen are nothing short of excellent. Dr. Phillips Charities CEO Ken Robinson, who personally recruited Jacques and his partner Kevin Turner to the food hall, confidently calls Antica “maybe one of the best pizza places you’ll find anywhere.”
Curating a Community of Flavors
Master developer Robinson, along with Chef Akhtar Nawab and his group Hospitality HQ (HHQ), have carefully curated a diverse selection of vendors. The menu options reflect a delicious blend of American and immigrant cuisine.
Experienced Vendors and Exciting Newcomers
The mix of vendors caters to both established favorites and those new to the scene. Kabob2Go, a Mediterranean restaurant specializing in kabobs, shawarma, and falafel, brings their successful food hall experience from other locations. A Lo Cubano and BrazaOrlando, already well-loved for their food trucks, offer brick-and-mortar locations for the first time. Braza owner Connie Lisboa brings a taste of Brazilian barbecue to Orlando with their unique grill.
Fresh Takes on Classics
Long-time restaurateur Nolene Allen adds a new twist to traditional Jamaican staples at Kayos Jamaican Grill. Here, you can create your own bowl with rice and beans, choosing protein options like jerk chicken, oxtail, or even vegan selections.
More Than Just a Meal
The food hall boasts a central bar where you can order from any vendor or simply enjoy a beer or craft cocktail. While Orange County Brewers’ 3,000-square-foot brewery is still under construction (slated to open in four months), there’s plenty to satisfy your drink cravings.
Sweet Endings Await
Lake Mary’s Stack’d Brownies takes the dessert stage, offering their signature brownies alongside soft-serve ice cream and milkshakes. Chef Jason Long promises to go beyond the usual scoop and brownie – expect unique creations that cater to all dessert desires.
A Dream Realized: The Journey of the Packing District
For Robinson, this weekend signifies the culmination of an eight-year journey. The development process has been a whirlwind of planning, construction, and now, the final exciting moments before opening the doors to the community. However, the vision for the Packing District extends far beyond this weekend.
The Next Chapter: Retail, Office Space, and a Hotel
Robinson reveals that Dr. Phillips has begun marketing new retail spaces lining Princeton Street and Orange Blossom Trail. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with leases already being executed. This expansion promises to further revitalize the area and attract even more visitors.
The future plans also include a boutique hotel and office building on the green space out front. This development, strategically positioned to complement the food hall and event space, will solidify the Packing District as a vibrant and multifaceted destination.
Get Ready to Experience Orlando’s Newest Culinary Hub!
The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall opens its doors this weekend, offering a diverse culinary adventure for all tastes. With its mix of established favorites and exciting new offerings, this food hall is sure to become a popular destination in Orlando’s Packing District. So, mark your calendars and get ready to experience a world of flavor under one roof!