Hamburger Mary’s Sets Sights on Reopening in Kissimmee

News Summary

Hamburger Mary’s, a popular dining spot known for its burgers and drag shows, is planning to reopen in Kissimmee after its closure in June 2023. The new location on U.S. 192 is close to Kissimmee’s entertainment district and aims to attract both loyal fans and new customers. Co-owner John Paonessa has expressed optimism about the reopening, although no specific date has been announced yet. Meanwhile, a legal challenge concerning Florida’s law on adult performances may impact the establishment’s future events.

News Summary

Kissimmee is Buzzing with Hamburger Mary’s Comeback Plans!

Hey there, Kissimmee! Exciting news is on the horizon for all you foodies and fans of fabulous entertainment. The beloved Hamburger Mary’s, which previously lived it up in Orlando for an impressive 16 years, is setting its sights on reopening in a shiny new location right here in Kissimmee! After a sudden closure in June 2023, there’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel, and the community is already buzzing with anticipation!

A Bit of History

For those who might not be aware, Hamburger Mary’s was a favorite hangout in Orlando, serving around 2 million patrons during its time. With its unique blend of delicious burgers and wonderful drag shows, it carved out a special niche in the local dining scene. However, things took a turn for the worse when issues with a prior tenant led to significant property damage, ultimately forcing the popular spot to close its doors for good. Fans of the vibrant establishment have surely missed its colorful atmosphere!

Moving On Up to Kissimmee

The new location is nestled on U.S. 192, right near Kissimmee’s lively entertainment district, making it a prime spot for all sorts of fun and festivities. While co-owner John Paonessa expressed hope for an opening soon, there’s still quite a bit of work to be done before everything is ready to roll again. The landlord has been hard at work for the past five to six months fixing property repairs – a step in the right direction, indeed!

Patience, Passion, and Planning

No specific date has been set for the grand reopening just yet. Initially, it was thought that the first week of July would see the iconic burger joint swinging its doors wide open, but as with anything worth waiting for, it looks like more patience is required. What we do know is that Hamburger Mary’s is set to keep its drag-centric business model going strong at this new gig, which is sure to draw in both loyal fans and new patrons.

The Legal Landscape

As the countdown begins, there’s a bit of a legal storm brewing regarding a 2023 Florida law that bans minors from attending certain adult performances. Despite the restaurant’s change in location, an attorney for Hamburger Mary’s has recently filed a brief indicating that the legal battle over this law is not over yet. The law, often referred to as the “Protection of Children” bill, raises quite a few eyebrows as it doesn’t specifically mention drag shows but does give authorities grounds to suspend or revoke licenses from those venues that don’t comply.

An important ruling by U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell has issued a preliminary injunction against the law, pointing out that there are already protections in place for minors regarding obscenity. It’s a busy time not just for Hamburger Mary’s as they plan their big return, but for the legal teams evaluating whether the reopening impacts the ongoing case.

The Future Looks Bright!

With all of this activity buzzing around, it’s no wonder so many people are eagerly awaiting the return of Hamburger Mary’s to Kissimmee. Fans are hoping that once the dust settles and once all the repairs are completed, they’ll be able to dive back into their favorite dishes while being entertained by fabulous performers. The goal? To expand those electrifying drag shows that everyone loves, making it the place to be for a fun night out.

As the community waits for Hamburger Mary’s to make its grand comeback, there’s definitely a sense of excitement in the air. Conversations about fantastic burgers and dazzling performances are bubbling up all over town. So let’s keep our fingers crossed that the reopening will be happening sooner rather than later!