Closure of Soco Thornton Park Marks End of an Era in Orlando Dining

Interior of Soco Thornton Park restaurant showing empty tables

News Summary

Soco Thornton Park has officially closed after nearly 11 years of serving the Orlando community. The celebrated restaurant, known for its Southern Contemporary Cuisine, closed amid challenges in the restaurant industry. Patrons visited for a farewell meal, showing appreciation for the staff. The closure reflects broader difficulties faced by local eateries, including rising operational costs and staffing shortages. Despite this setback, new dining concepts are on the horizon, highlighting the resilience of Orlando’s culinary scene.

Orlando – Soco Thornton Park, a cherished establishment in Downtown Orlando’s dining scene, officially closed its doors on Sunday, marking the end of nearly 11 years of service to the community. Located in Thornton Park, the restaurant’s final operating hours were from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., during which many patrons visited to enjoy a farewell meal and express their gratitude to the staff.

Leading up to the closure, the restaurant’s Executive Chef and Partner Greg Richie, along with the Soco team, conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to their loyal customers and dedicated staff on social media. Known for its unique blend of Southern Contemporary Cuisine, Soco gained a reputation for its commitment to excellence in both food and service.

Despite its longstanding popularity, the closure of Soco Thornton Park has been attributed to a range of challenges facing the restaurant industry. Rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and ongoing financial repercussions from the pandemic were key factors influencing this decision. While the restaurant did not disclose specific reasons for its closure, these economic pressures reflect broader trends, as many local dining establishments have succumbed to similar circumstances.

This recent closure is part of a larger narrative affecting the restaurant industry in Orlando, where the current economic climate has led to various challenges for local businesses. Florida’s international tourist numbers have reportedly seen a decline in 2025, further impacting the viability of eateries that rely heavily on tourism for their revenue.

In the wake of Soco’s closure, the restaurant team has urged patrons to continue supporting local eateries and independent businesses, highlighting the importance of community during these tough times. This sentiment underscores how vital local establishments are to the fabric of the city and its culture, as they contribute to the vibrancy and charm of neighborhoods like Thornton Park.

Despite the setback with Soco, the dining landscape in Orlando remains dynamic, with new food concepts and eateries emerging in various neighborhoods. For instance, Hikiniku to Sumi is set to launch in June, promising to bring a fresh culinary experience to the area. Additionally, Sparrow, another new establishment, is currently in soft-opening mode, offering a specialized Southern European small-plate menu.

Further enhancing the local dining scene, Agave Bandido, known for its upscale Mexican cuisine, is preparing to open at Hamlin Town Center in early June. The re-opening of Bojangles in Sanford, which had been closed due to a fire last year, adds to the resurgence of local eateries. Meanwhile, Fritterbox, a Jamaican eatery specializing in fritters and homemade juice, opened on May 26, showcasing the diverse culinary offerings available to residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, Rock ‘N Rev American Music Bar ‘N Grill in Ocoee has embarked on creating a vibrant gathering space for music enthusiasts and food lovers.

As the local dining scene continues to navigate these challenges, both long-standing favorites and new concepts are striving to keep the spirit of Orlando’s culinary community alive, with the hope of attracting both local patrons and tourists in the months ahead. The closure of Soco Thornton Park serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties faced by the food industry while also highlighting the resilience and passion that local businesses embody.