The Goldman building that will replace the demolished Brothers’ Keeper Thrift Store in downtown Ocala is just another example of an intense shift in the downtown Ocala landscape.
During a recent business networking meeting, City Manager Sandra Wilson confirmed that a restaurant and a rooftop bar will occupy the additional floors of the new Goldman building, which is located at 2 SW Fort King Street.
The building will also house Mellow Mushroom, which had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Crews have since made swift progress in its construction, having recently laid the foundation.
The building is one of an assortment of new businesses, restaurants, and residential developments that have changed the downtown landscape in recent years.
The Bubble Bar boba tea bar, Black Sheep on Broadway, Big Hammock Brewery, and Bank Street Patio Bar all opened within a few months of each other in 2019. Sayulita is still in its infancy, but has been in operation for a couple years at its location at 10 NE 1st Street, in Concord Square.
The Hilton Garden Inn, Morevino, the Loft, the Tipsy Skipper, Anti-Monopoly Drug Store, and Thirsty Cobbler opened their downtown Ocala locations in 2020.
This year, Symmetry Cafe hopes to open a new location at the space formerly occupied by Sovereigns and Scoundrels, which closed its doors in March. And Mutiny, a new pirate-themed bar, is currently under construction next door to the Tipsy Skipper.
Workspace Collective recently opened a new location along SE 1st Avenue, next to Crossfit Iron Legion. Down the block, Cantina Tex Mex Restaurant and Tequila Bar is working on opening its location across the street from Harry’s.
In addition to the brick and mortar businesses, the Downtown Ocala Market now features more vendors during its farmer’s market than it ever has before, as well as a constant presence of food options at its Food Truck Park. Multiple food trucks are available daily and and feature a variety of foods.
What types of businesses would you like to see come to Ocala in the coming years? Share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.