Transformation of Stonewall Bar into Heatwave in Orlando

News Summary

Orlando’s LGBTQ+ scene is set to thrive with the transformation of the iconic Stonewall Bar into Heatwave, a vibrant venue for food, drinks, and entertainment. Set to open in late spring 2025, Heatwave has secured a zoning exception that allows it to serve cocktails and more, making it a community hub. With distinct dining concepts and extended hours, Heatwave aims to be a safe space for all and a ‘home away from home’ for locals and visitors alike.

Exciting Changes Coming to Orlando with Heatwave’s Arrival

Orlando is buzzing with excitement as the iconic Stonewall Bar Orlando location at 741 W. Church St. prepares for a vibrant transformation into a new venue called Heatwave. This LGBTQ+ food, drink, and entertainment establishment is set to take the city by storm, and it’s making waves for all the right reasons!

Zoning Laws Don’t Stand a Chance

One of the most significant hurdles for businesses in certain neighborhoods can be zoning restrictions, especially when it comes to selling alcohol near residential areas and places of worship. However, in a stroke of creative permitting, Heatwave has secured an exception to these zoning rules. This exception is a game-changer, allowing the venue to serve up cocktails and more in a space that many hope will become not just a place to grab a drink, but a vibrant community hub for all.

The Right Place at the Right Time

City zoning officials have the power to make these decisions, and this time, they’ve stepped up to allow Heatwave to flourish. The location’s unique surroundings aided in this exception, particularly the neighboring empty lot and a business adjacent to the site. All of this sets the stage for an exciting new chapter in Orlando’s nightlife.

Meet the Visionaries Behind Heatwave

Heatwave is brought to life by two passionate partners, Kevin Varanai and Andrea Dunn. Their vision? To transform this space and make it an exciting destination for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. With the aim to open by late spring 2025, they are laying the groundwork for what promises to be a fabulous addition to the local scene.

A Unique Concept to Keep You Coming Back

What can you expect from Heatwave? Get ready for an innovative approach to dining and socializing! This venue will feature three distinct concepts that will cater to different vibes throughout the day:

• A cozy café that welcomes you in the morning with fresh coffee and light bites.
• A full-service tapas restaurant will greet patrons in the afternoon, offering a taste of delicious bites and social dining.
• An event-focused restaurant on the upper floor, ideal for celebrations, gatherings, and lots of community fun.

Extended Hours for Maximum Fun

Heatwave will have extended hours to fit into everyone’s social calendar. Operating from 9 a.m. to midnight on Mondays through Wednesdays, and extending late from 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Thursdays through Sundays, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak in the atmosphere.

A Safe Haven for All

More than just your average bar or nightclub, Heatwave is on a mission to provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and like-minded individuals. Varanai emphasizes the importance of representing this community in Orlando and highlights the need for more diverse and vibrant spaces where everyone feels at home.

Tantalizing Drinks and Menu

While specific food items remain under wraps, patrons can look forward to a consistent menu available across all venues within Heatwave. Unique cocktails have already been developed in collaboration with a local bar, The Moderne, promising to tantalize taste buds and elevate the dining experience.

A Space with Character

Each unique area of Heatwave will be designed with its own visual identity, taking full advantage of the property’s natural segmentation. This attention to design will help ensure that every corner of the venue feels like a distinct experience, making it a visual treat every time you visit.

Creating a Home Away from Home

The driving force behind Heatwave is to establish a “home away from home” for patrons looking for not just good food and drink but also a welcoming atmosphere. As the venue gears up for its grand opening, the anticipation builds, and many hope that Heatwave will set a precedent for similar concepts in Orlando and beyond.

So, mark your calendars and get ready for an exhilarating change! Heatwave is set to make a splash in Orlando, and it could be just the beginning of bright, new adventures in the city’s LGBTQIA+ scene.

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Additional Resources

• Click Orlando: Orlando’s Former Stonewall Bar to Transform Into a Multi-Concept Restaurant
• Orlando Weekly: New Restaurant Concept Heatwave Takes Over the Old Stonewall on Church Street
• Orlando Weekly: Uzbek Restaurant Chayhana Now Open, Huge Lunar New Year Food Fest in Mills 50 Sunday
• Slate: Orlando Terror Attacker Omar Mateen Ruined the Gay Bar as a Safe Space
• Orlando Weekly: As Florida Temperatures Soar, Disney World Workers Struggle and Pass Out from the Heat
• Wikipedia: LGBTQ+ Community
• Google Search: Orlando Food Scene
• Google Scholar: LGBTQ Community Events Orlando
• Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Rights
• Google News: Orlando Restaurant News