News Summary
Renowned chef Amit Kumar is under investigation by Orlando city officials for demolishing a Burger King building without permits. Kumar intended to renovate the site into a test kitchen and fine dining establishment, investing over $1 million, but proceeded with demolition and construction without following city regulations. The situation has escalated, leading to a stop-work order from Code Enforcement as the city aims to ensure compliance and accountability in redevelopment efforts along the West Colonial corridor.
Orlando – Award-winning chef Amit Kumar is facing scrutiny from city officials after he reportedly demolished a shuttered fast-food restaurant without the necessary permits. The building, previously a Burger King located at 744 W. Colonial Drive, was purchased by Kumar last year for $1.1 million, with plans to invest an additional $1.5 million into its renovation.
Kumar has been a notable figure in the Orlando dining scene, operating three successful restaurants, including the critically acclaimed Bombay Street Kitchen, which has been recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for three consecutive years. His latest venture, a fine dining establishment called Sama, is currently under construction in Winter Park. The chef’s aim for the West Colonial site was to create a test kitchen for his Indian restaurants alongside a limited-seating restaurant featuring a five-course tasting menu. In February, he expressed the importance of establishing a presence close to downtown and Interstate 4 to foster redevelopment in the area.
The incident has drawn attention due to the absence of submitted demolition plans or permits. Standard procedure involves securing approval from the city’s Appearance Review Board prior to demolishing structures in Orlando’s downtown. Furthermore, any new construction requires evaluation and approval from the Municipal Planning Board and City Council, which typically entails a lengthy process of at least six months. However, Kumar proceeded with the demolition, pouring a new foundation and starting construction on a new structure prior to any permits being issued or actions taken to adhere to required regulatory procedures.
City spokesperson Andrea Otero confirmed that the situation has been elevated to Code Enforcement due to the unauthorized demolition. A stop-work order was officially issued on May 30, yet reports indicate that construction continued, with concrete block walls erected even after the order had been enforced. Additionally, evidence suggests that the notice of the stop-work order was removed from the site, complicating the case further as the identity of the general contractor involved remains undisclosed with no permits visibly posted.
The city’s current focus is on revitalizing the West Colonial corridor, which contains 32 vacant lots and buildings. This initiative aligns with Kumar’s original vision for encouraging redevelopment in the area, but the unauthorized actions have raised questions about compliance and accountability. Observers within the culinary and urban development communities are monitoring the situation closely as it unfolds, particularly given Kumar’s influence and the high-profile nature of his restaurant ventures in Central Florida.
The developments at the former Burger King site are part of ongoing discussions regarding regulatory measures for ensuring proper redevelopment practices within the city. City officials aim to balance the need for revitalization and economic growth with strict adherence to laws and ordinances designed to protect the city’s architectural integrity.
As the investigation progresses, further action from the city of Orlando is anticipated, which could include penalties or requested remediation from Kumar and his development team regarding the unauthorized construction activities. The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders in the community are awaiting updates from the city’s Code Enforcement division regarding the next steps in this case.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boca Raton Moves Towards Mixed-Use Community Development
Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel: Acclaimed Chef Goes Rogue
- Wikipedia: Urban Redevelopment
- GrowthSpotter: Millenia Landlord Will Demolish TGI Fridays Building
- Google Search: urban development Orlando
- Click Orlando: Iconic Fire-Damaged Pappas Drive-In Demolished
- Google Scholar: urban renewal Orlando
- WFTV: Demolished Winter Garden Restaurant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Planning
- Orlando Park Stop: Epic Universe News Update
- Google News: restaurant demolition Orlando
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
