Orlando Business News
BUSINESS NEWS
Walt Disney World Sees Attendance Uptick Amid Universal Orlando Declines
News Summary Themed Entertainment Association’s latest report shows Walt Disney World experiencing a rise in attendance with approximately 49.1 million guests, while Universal Orlando faced declines at its parks. Magic...
Unlicensed Laser Treatment Leads to Patient’s Injuries in Orlando
Orlando, October 26, 2025 News Summary Gabriela Pereira, a 29-year-old, was arrested in Orlando for conducting an unlicensed Endolaser treatment at Tonya Beauty spa, resulting in severe injuries to a patient....
Walter’s Tavern Set to Open in Orlando’s Great Southern Box Co.
Orlando, Florida, October 25, 2025 News Summary Walter’s Tavern, a new 3,800-square-foot bar, will open next month at the Great Southern Box Co. Food Hall in Orlando’s Packing District. Named after...
Twenty-Pho Hour Opens First 2D Noodle Bar in Orlando
News Summary Twenty-Pho Hour, the first 2D noodle bar in America, recently debuted in Orlando, Florida, blending artistic design with Vietnamese comfort foods. The restaurant features a whimsical comic book-inspired...
Farewell to Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows in Orlando
News Summary Orlando bids adieu to Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows, a beloved venue on International Drive, known for its interactive entertainment for 35 years. Their final show, set for November...
Lima 1535 Brings Authentic Peruvian Cuisine to Orlando
News Summary Orlando welcomes Lima 1535, a new restaurant featuring authentic Peruvian dishes. With specialties like rocoto relleno and unique dining aesthetics, it adds to the city’s vibrant culinary scene....
Orlando Achieves Culinary Recognition with MICHELIN Guide
News Summary Orlando has earned significant culinary acclaim as the MICHELIN Guide expands its reach, awarding the city its first Two-Star rating for Sorekara, an omakase restaurant. This recognition showcases...
ANF Gyros & Grill to Open New Location in Orlando
News Summary ANF Gyros & Grill has revealed plans to launch a new restaurant in Orlando, seeking permits for a location on Orange Blossom Trail. Known for its gyros and...
New Healthy Restaurants Near Me Opening Soon in Orlando FL
Orlando, October 22, 2025 Orlando is witnessing a surge in healthier dining options with numerous new restaurants focusing on clean, fresh, and flavorful meals. From açaí bowls to Mediterranean plates, these...
Finance
Twenty-Pho Hour Opens First 2D Noodle Bar in Orlando
News Summary Twenty-Pho Hour, the first 2D noodle bar in America, recently debuted in Orlando, Florida, blending artistic design with Vietnamese comfort foods. The restaurant features a whimsical comic book-inspired...
GLP-1 Medications Shift Dining Trends Across the U.S.
Orlando Florida, October 20, 2025 News Summary Restaurants nationwide are adapting to the changing dining patterns influenced by the increased use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, leading to smaller portions...
Navy Federal Credit Union Named Best Employer in Florida
News Summary Navy Federal Credit Union has been recognized as the best employer in Florida by Forbes for 2025. This achievement highlights the organization’s commitment to employee satisfaction and excellent...
Florida’s Minimum Wage Increases to $14 per Hour
News Summary Florida’s minimum wage has increased to $14 per hour for non-tipped workers, part of a gradual rise initiated by Amendment 2. Tipped workers now earn at least $10.98...
Florida Minimum Wage to Increase to $14 per Hour
News Summary Florida’s minimum wage is set to increase to $14 per hour starting September 30, 2025, as part of a progressive wage plan approved by voters. This gradual increase...
Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen Opening in South Fort Myers
News Summary Chuck Lager Legendary Kitchen is set to open in South Fort Myers this October, occupying the space formerly held by Chili’s. The restaurant will feature a diverse menu...
Edward Jones Donates $85,000 to Fight Hunger in Florida
News Summary Edward Jones has contributed $85,000 to the Feeding Florida network on Hunger Action Day, supporting food banks statewide to combat food insecurity. Market leader David Rosendahl highlighted the...
Orlando Real Estate Market Sees Decrease in Listings and Sales
News Summary Orlando’s real estate market has recorded a decline in new listings and total sales from May to June, with new listings dropping by 8.4%. Although home prices remained...
Orlando Welcomes Johnny’s Diner to Curry Ford Road
News Summary Orlando’s culinary scene expands with the opening of Johnny’s Diner on Curry Ford Road, replacing the former Daybreak Diner. This exciting addition offers a menu of classic diner...
CONSTRUCTION
Lakeland Experiences Surge in New Developments and Businesses
News Summary Lakeland is set for economic growth with numerous new developments including Publix’s new IT campus, significant expansions from various companies, and multiple infrastructure projects. The city will overhaul...
Universal Orlando Submits Major Construction Permits
News Summary Universal Orlando has submitted permits for significant construction in its Islands of Adventure park, indicating the demolition of 4.9 acres of existing structures. The project is expected to...
Lift Orlando Revives Long-Stalled Affordable Housing Project
News Summary A six-year stalled affordable housing project in downtown Orlando is being revived by Lift Orlando. The project aims to develop 30 townhomes in the West Lakes neighborhood, previously...
Jack in the Box to Open First Orlando Location
News Summary Jack in the Box is set to begin construction on its first Orlando location at 5324 S. John Young Parkway. The popular fast-food chain’s entry into Central Florida...
Dr. Phillips Charities Breaks Ground on New Office Building in Orlando
News Summary Dr. Phillips Charities has commenced construction on a new four-story, Class-A office building in Orlando’s Packing District. The building will feature 40,000 square feet of flexible office space...
Orlando Sees Decline in Class A Office Construction
News Summary Orlando is facing a significant drop in new Class A office construction, with only 15 million square feet expected for delivery in 2025. This is less than 30%...
Chef Faces Building Permit Challenges in Orlando
News Summary Michelin-award-winning chef Amit Kumar is dealing with serious setbacks after his contractor demolished an Orlando restaurant without proper permits. Kumar, who was in New Delhi at the time,...
Chef Faces Scrutiny After Unauthorized Demolition in Orlando
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...
Apopka Hosts 72nd Annual Parade of Homes
News Summary From May 10 to May 18, Apopka will feature the 72nd Annual Parade of Homes, showcasing 14 local homes along with over 70 across Central Florida. Organized by...
Marketing
Orlando International Airport Unveils Major Expansion Plans
News Summary The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority has approved a comprehensive 10-year expansion plan for Orlando International Airport, aiming to enhance passenger experiences and increase capacity. With a projected 15%...
Florida Minimum Wage to Increase to $14 per Hour
News Summary Florida’s minimum wage is set to increase to $14 per hour starting September 30, 2025, as part of a progressive wage plan approved by voters. This gradual increase...
Jacksonville PDQ Restaurant to Transform into Saucy by KFC
News Summary The PDQ restaurant located at 3260 Hodges Blvd in Jacksonville is set to undergo a transformation into a new dining concept called Saucy! by KFC. The renovation, estimated...
Ocala/Marion County VCB Wins at 2025 VISIT Florida Flagler Awards
News Summary The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB) has received accolades at the 2025 VISIT Florida Flagler Awards, securing a Silver Award for its tradeshow booth and a...
Universal Orlando Resort Unveils Celestial Park
News Summary Universal Orlando Resort has launched Celestial Park, a central hub for the upcoming Epic Universe theme park. This immersive area boasts lush gardens that transform at night, thematic...
Visit Orlando Audit Reveals Funding Misclassifications
News Summary An audit of Visit Orlando uncovered misclassifications of approximately $6.3 million in funding but did not find evidence of fraud. Industry leaders emphasize that the audit is a...
Vekoma Rides Opens New Headquarters in Orlando
News Summary Vekoma Rides, a leading amusement ride manufacturer, has opened its new office headquarters in downtown Orlando, positioning itself strategically close to major theme parks. The new office, staffed...
Orlando Faces Tourist Drought: The Impact of Tariffs
News Summary Orlando’s tourism sector is grappling with a decline in visitors, particularly from Canada, attributed to increasing tariff costs. The tourism industry reports a 9% drop in international air...
Bedford to Welcome First Universal Theme Park in Europe
News Summary Bedford is set to make history with the arrival of the first Universal Theme Park in Europe, scheduled to open by 2031. This project, supported by Comcast NBCUniversal,...
Real Estate
Construction Begins on The Edgewater in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, October 10, 2025 News Summary Wood Partners has officially commenced construction on The Edgewater, a new lakefront apartment community in Orlando, featuring 328 Class-A multifamily rental units. The development...
Orlando Housing Market Experiences Significant Changes
News Summary Orlando’s housing market is undergoing notable shifts as inventory increases and home prices stabilize. Despite a small decline in median sale prices, the city remains more stable compared...
Villatel Orlando Resort Opens Ahead of Epic Universe Launch
News Summary The newly opened Villatel Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, offers luxurious accommodations for guests heading to the upcoming Epic Universe theme park. Featuring 270 villas and exclusive amenities...
WWE Announces New Performance Center in Orlando
News Summary WWE is set to build a new Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, enhancing training facilities for wrestling talent. Announced by Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque, this center aims...
Siemens Energy Relocates Orlando Office to Lake Nona Town Center
News Summary Siemens Energy has announced it will move its Orlando office hub from Alafaya Trail to Lake Nona Town Center, taking up 242,760 square feet of space. The move,...
Central Florida Tourism Industry Achieves Historic Economic Growth
News Summary Central Florida’s tourism sector has reached an unprecedented economic impact of $94.5 billion, attracting over 75 million visitors. This boom has generated approximately 468,000 jobs, significantly influencing local...
Lift Orlando Revives Long-Stalled Affordable Housing Project
News Summary A six-year stalled affordable housing project in downtown Orlando is being revived by Lift Orlando. The project aims to develop 30 townhomes in the West Lakes neighborhood, previously...
Recent Events Impacting Orlando, Florida
News Summary Significant incidents have recently affected Orlando, Florida, including a house fire in Altamonte Springs, widespread flooding in downtown areas, and the development of a new community named EverBe....
Orlando Approves $2.3 Million Renovation for Wells Built Museum
News Summary The Wells Built Museum of African-American History in Orlando will undergo a $2.3 million renovation funded by the Orange County Tourism Development Tax. The project aims to enhance...