After setbacks related to COVID-19, a local entrepreneur is looking to open a new restaurant in Ocala early next year.
Nina Schweers was one of the presenting entrepreneurs at today’s 1 Million Cups Ocala event in downtown Ocala. Schweers spoke about her new restaurant, The Doozy Victuals and Libations, that she hopes to open early next year.
According to Schweers, ‘Doozy’ is a reference to an antique Duesenberg car, ‘victuals’ is a reference to food, and ‘libations’ is a reference to alcohol. She described the theme of the restaurant as “1930’s speakeasy with cars.”
This is the third business that Schweers hopes to open, having opened Ocala Fresh Produce and Deli in 2015 and Ocala Downtown Diner in 2017.
The restaurant will be on SR 200 across from Red Lobster, taking over a former Pizza Hut that has been shuttered for years.
Schweers secured the lease in January 2020, and was in the midst of a rapid two-month remodel of the location when the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“Initially, this was going to be a great business,” said Schweers during Wednesday’s presentation. “But due to COVID, I’ve had to change the whole concept of it.”
Schweers stated during the presentation that the new way of living is trending toward delivery of pre-made meals. Ordering online is becoming more prominent than dining out, and she saw the need to transition this business accordingly.
According to Schweers, a shortened menu is being considered, featuring takeout, carryout, and possibly delivery options. The kitchen will likely be reduced as well, with approximately half of the kitchen shifting focus to ready-made meals or delivery services.
The proposed menu for The Doozy focuses on southern cuisine, a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, and will be comparable to the Hash House in Orlando.
Ocala Produce and Deli, one of Schweers’ other businesses, has a southern-style menu, and she wants to capitalize on that with an emphasis on bigger portions, including biscuits and entrees.
Originally, she wanted to offer a two-page menu full of vegan, gluten-free, and regular menu items in large portions. Due to COVID-19, she has encountered a shortage of both food and employees and has had to make adjustments.
Although she has been forced to delay the opening multiple times, Schweers says she hopes to have the restaurant open in February 2022.