A Remarkable Pivot

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, Orlando! Our family made a valiant attempt at procuring some insane cookies at Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs yesterday. We failed. The line was 1-hour long, and I don’t do 1-hour lines. So we went to the bakery at Summer House on the Lake and were richly rewarded by their cookies! Then we hit The Ganachery. A++++ all around!

 In today’s issue: 👇

• The real story of Publix's arrival in Orlando

• A remarkable pivot

• Culinary titans unite

• ….and much more

🛑 Don’t forget to click (or tap) the poll at the bottom of this issue so we know if we’re on the right track. Every time you vote in a poll, our cat Luna gets a little treat. 🐈 😻

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Let’s dive in!

- Philip

ORLANDO REWIND ⏪
The Real Story of Publix's Arrival in Orlando

Research for this piece is provided by Rachel Williams, historian at the Orange County Regional History Center.

Situated in the heart of Thornton Park, the building at 808 E. Washington St. (now Jack & Honey's restaurant) has long been heralded as Orlando's first Publix store. However, recent discoveries challenge this widely accepted tale, shedding new light on the true origins of this iconic grocer in the City Beautiful.

The roots of the Publix we know today trace back to Winter Haven, where visionary entrepreneur George Jenkins opened the first Publix Food Store in 1930, christening it with the now-iconic name.

By 1940, Jenkins had unveiled the first Publix Super Market, setting the standard for convenience and innovation in the grocery industry.

Puzzle pieces from city directories, old newspapers, and census records reveal that the Thornton Park grocery store named Publix Market was originally owned by John Bledsoe and opened in 1935, unrelated to Jenkins' stores. It relocated to 808 E. Washington St. in 1940 and was purchased by James Isbell in 1945.

Jenkins' Publix expanded across Central Florida in 1945, acquiring stores like the one at 1114 E. Colonial Drive, but none included the Washington Street location.

In 1949, the Washington Street Publix Market underwent a name change to Cole & Wilson Grocers, likely to avoid confusion with the burgeoning chain.

Despite this, the belief that 808 E. Washington St. was Orlando's first Publix persisted for decades, perpetuated by Bledsoe's 1995 obituary.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DAILY DROP
Escape to Aruba: An Extraordinary Island Giveaway

😎 I’ve got something “cool” for you, esteemed OS readers. And I know ya’ll like giveaways.

Prepare to be whisked away to a tropical paradise (not Miami 😭) with an extraordinary Aruba giveaway in collaboration with Daily Drop, our favorite travel rewards resource for learning how to earn and redeem miles and points.

 One lucky winner will indulge in:

• A five-night stay for two at the luxurious Aruba Marriott Resort

• $2,000 travel allowance

• $250 food and beverage credit

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Imagine azure skies, and sun-kissed shores awaiting your arrival in this Caribbean jewel.

👉 Simply subscribe to the Daily Drop newsletter, right here, for a chance to embark on an unforgettable journey to Aruba, where memories are made amidst breathtaking vistas and unparalleled indulgence.

The winner will be announced on May 13th, so ignite your wanderlust and get ready to escape the ordinary.

THE SQUEEZE 🍊
From Concussions to Cognitive Enhancement: A Footballer's Remarkable Pivot

In a remarkable journey from the gridiron to the frontiers of neuroscience, Dr. Tommy Shavers, a former University of Central Florida football standout, has embarked on a quest to unlock the brain's untapped potential.

After a series of head injuries nearly derailed his cognitive abilities, Shavers defied a dire prognosis and immersed himself in the study of neuroplasticity.

From this adversity, NESTRE Performance was born – a pioneering venture that harnesses neuroscience and AI to design personalized activities for enhancing brain fitness.

Shavers envisions cognitive health not as an illness, but as a muscle to be trained, elevating the baseline of human potential. Drawing inspiration from his athletic days, he has translated the ethos of relentless training to the realm of cognitive enhancement.

With an unwavering determination, Shavers is poised to leave an indelible mark, inspiring a paradigm shift in how we cultivate the remarkable resilience of the human mind.

Culinary Titans Unite to Fight Hunger At Home

A startling revelation about Orlando's exorbitant cost of living coincided with the launch of "Get Cooking," an ambitious culinary partnership between Norman Van Aken and successful food blogger Stacie Archer. Their daring initiative aims to equip underprivileged families with skills for preparing affordable, nutritious meals.

The James Beard Award-winner Van Aken has rallied Orlando's top chef talents to provide virtual instruction from Valencia College's state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.

Archer previously pioneered this model across South Florida, empowering participants to craft wholesome feasts for under $20 while maximizing SNAP benefits. Now transplanted to Orlando with sponsorships from Florida Blue and 4Roots Farm, the program represents a culinary lifeline amidst the city's staggering cost of living crisis.

Esteemed local chefs have joined the crusade, including Clay Miller (tomorrow, April 23rd), Michael Collantes of Michelin-starred Soseki (July 23rd), Tung Phan (September 24th), and James Beard nominee Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya (December 17th).

With such culinary luminaries providing expert monthly guidance, the initiative vows to make an indelible impact on countless food-insecure households.

Orlando Museum Enriched by Diverse NYC-Global Art Donation

In a significant cultural acquisition for Orlando, the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has received a generous gift of over 300 artworks from the extensive private collection of Dr. James Cottrell and Mr. Joseph Lovett.

This remarkable collection, carefully assembled over five decades by the Manhattan-based art enthusiasts and social activists, captures the vibrant spirit of downtown New York City's art scene along with international talents.

Artists featured include acclaimed names like Donald Baechler, Miguel Barceló, Helen Frankenthaler, Keith Haring, and David Hockney. The diverse collection spans from the poetic surrealism of Jean Cocteau to powerful contemporary voices such as Deborah Kass and Dana Schutz.

A preview exhibition this summer will highlight selected works, leading up to the full collection's unveiling Spring 2025.

This thoughtful gift promises to enrich Orlando's cultural offerings and further establish the OMA as a distinguished art destination.

Answering the Call: How a Nonprofit Embraces Families Amid the Housing Crisis

Bettina Grzeskowiak's familiar melody drifts through Orlando neighborhoods, a welcoming sound that brings smiles to children who excitedly run out to greet her truck filled with essential goods.

Her nonprofit, Embrace of Celebration, aims to ease the financial strain on working families living in extended-stay motels, unable to afford permanent housing.

Grzeskowiak understands their challenges firsthand, having worked as a house cleaner to support her son after immigrating from Germany in the 1990s. Now 52, she is dedicated to distributing aid every Saturday.

The community supports her efforts - One Stop Housing provides affordable space, and Celebration allows a staging area. However, as the affordable housing shortage persists, volunteer Shawn Gage sees the physical demands on Grzeskowiak. Yet she continues undeterred, motivated by helping families like Alma Luz Castro secure stability after years of transitional living.

While Grzeskowiak wishes such services were unnecessary, she recognizes the substantial need driving her passionate work.

TASTY NEWS 🧑‍🍳
Orlando Eateries On Their Way

1️⃣ Just Like Momma's Soul Food and Wings - From Food Truck to Momma's Kitchen

Orlando's beloved food truck is transitioning to a cozy brick-and-mortar restaurant in Apopka, opening July 7th. Owner Valerie Sparkman, a retiring teacher, brings her signature Southern flavors and hospitality to 44 E 5th St in Apopka, serving breakfast to beer and wine. With seating for 100-120, diners can savor soul food classics like crispy wings, oxtail, greens, and plant-based options in a warm, welcoming space.

2️⃣ Open Container - Uncorking an Unconventional Wine Oasis in Altamonte Springs

Entrepreneur, Steven Norris, unveils Orlando's latest Open Container Wine outpost in August. This avant-garde bar transforms a 20-foot shipping container into an urban vineyard, offering curated wines, craft beers, charcuterie, and immersive tasting events. Defying conventions, it promises oenophiles a refreshing retreat at 451 E Altamonte Dr #5560, Altamonte Springs.

3️⃣ Snooze - Morning Euphoria Will Rise in Dr. Phillips

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, a Colorado-based breakfast powerhouse, prepares to ascend upon Orlando's Dr. Phillips area with an arsenal of decadent morning delights, though an opening date remains unannounced. From pineapple upside-down pancakes to habañero pork belly fried rice, they'll unveil a menu of daring flavors at 7341 W. Sand Lake Road, the former Zoe's Kitchen locale, promising to awaken even the groggiest taste buds.

#ORLANDOSIGNAL 📸

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FOODIE FIND, FORK YEAH! 🤩
VIDA Cocina + Tequila

📍275 W State Rd 436, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, or map to this location, right here.

Tucked away in Orlando's vibrant dining scene, VIDA Cocina + Tequila is a delightful gem that captivates with its extraordinary cuisine, tantalizing libations, and inviting ambiance.

The joyous laughter of birthday celebrants fills the air, setting the perfect backdrop for unforgettable occasions. Culinary artisans craft flavorful masterpieces, from the mouthwatering esquite dip and savory birria empanaditas to the sizzling molcajete's symphony of tastes.

Indulgent treats like the volcan de dulce de leche and chocoflan unveil harmonious blends of flavors. Weekend brunches beckon guests back to this epicurean haven, promising delightful voyages of culinary exploration.

Within Orlando's diverse offerings, VIDA Cocina + Tequila shines as a beacon of food excellence, delighting the senses and igniting the soul with every visit.

MORE PULP! 😎
Weekday things to check out

> On Tuesday, enjoy an evening of wine & designing your own succulent arrangement at Grape & The Grain in Mills 50 District (link)

> Starting on Tuesday, everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Orlando in an internationally acclaimed new hit musical, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. (link)

> On Tuesday, catch The Wallflowers at The Plaza Live on 425 North Bundy Ave. for an awesome performance (link)

> Los Tres Golpes, a NYC-style Dominican concept offerings such dishes as chimi beef smash tacos, Dominican pizzas, and empanadas stuffed with fried cheese, fried salami and eggs, has moved into the old Flex Eats/Bagel World space at 741 N. Magnolia Ave. (link)

> The Orange County Regional History Center is looking for a new Curator of Education following the promotion of the former curator earlier this month. The pay is $27.37-$35.58 per hour. (link)

> Hailed as an exciting new gem, Bar Kada, the newest concept from Michael Collantes, has opened next door to his Michelin-starred omakase house, Soseki, at 957 W. Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park. (link)

> From Monday through Wednesday, catch Little Women the Musical. Set in Civil War America, the show’s poignancy derives from its delicate balance of comedy and drama, melodrama and realism, all working together to capture the aspirations, struggles and sufferings of the March family. (link)

> On Wednesday and Thursday, Tay Anderson debuts her latest solo cabaret, See You At The Movies, in The Winter Park Playhouse Spotlight Cabaret Series. Join Tay for an fun-filled evening of Oscar-winning best original song (link)

THANKS!

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Thanks for reading! I’ll see you again on Thursday’s weekend fun issue.

My Best,
Philip - Publisher, Orlando Signal