Over the past year, the city of Ocala has seen the addition of dozens of new businesses and restaurants to its ranks. Here is a partial list of some of the new restaurants that opened throughout the city in 2023.
Albelo’s Sub Shop celebrate its grand opening at Churchill Square at the beginning of the year. The sandwich shop is located next to a recently reopened Publix.
Big Lee’s Barbecue opened its first brick-and-mortar location on the same weekend that owner Rashad Jones claimed a victory against Bobby Flay on the Food Network series, Beat Bobby Flay.
Chick-fil-A opened its third location in Ocala at 5048 SW 48th Avenue on December 19.
Chipotle opened its second location in Ocala along East Silver Springs Boulevard.
Connotto’s opened a family-owned sandwich shop at the former location of a vegan cafe that closed a couple years ago.
Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ opened in the former space of Kotobuki over the summer. The restaurant has since been shuttered for several weeks.
District Bar & Kitchen celebrated the opening of its new restaurant in downtown Ocala over the summer. That restaurant was built from the ground up, replacing former tenant Pi on Broadway.
Dough & Grinds Bagel Co started serving up New York-style bagels after opening in April. Owned by Allie and Dominic Portillo, the business offers online orders and regularly visits local farmer’s markets.
Fat Boy’s BBQ reopened its doors after new ownership renovated the building and reconstructed the menu.
Flame Indian Kitchen opened on Labor Day weekend at 3710 SW College Road, joining a growing list of restaurants in Ocala that feature Indian cuisine.
G & F Concessions, LLC celebrated the grand opening of its food truck over the summer with free hot dogs.
J Marie Cheesecake opened its first brick-and-mortar location on the same weekend as Flame Indian Kitchen.
Jaws Jumbo Burgers opened a new, JAWS-themed restaurant in July, that has seen long lines ever since.
Katya Vineyards closed its previous location and moved a couple doors down into the former home of Morevino. The restaurant celebrated its grand reopening on Sunday.
KPot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot celebrated its grand opening in October, in the former home of Logan’s Roadhouse, near Big Lee’s BBQ.
Kwench Juice Cafe opened a new juice and smoothie bar in east Ocala after months of building out the space.
Let’s Eat Fresh opened an Italian deli near downtown Ocala.
Little Bickle opened a new restaurant in Chelsea Square that serves up authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Mellow Mushroom opened its downtown Ocala location after over four years of construction and delays.
Morelli’s Pizza and Subs opened a new pizzeria along Baseline Drive.
Nicely Seasoned Vegan opened a food truck that specializes in vegan cuisine.
OLA Drive-Thru Coffee opened its first location in Ocala over the summer and a second location this fall.Â
Slice opened a window in downtown Ocala that serves pizza slices to the late night audience.
Soleil Bakery celebrated the grand opening of its second location in Ocala in October.
SmallCakes Cupcakery and Creamery reopened at 4701 SW College Road in October, near the new Chick-fil-A.
The Sunny Pint opened a new brewery at Six Gun Plaza in late September.
Sweet ‘n’ Savory Eats opened at 1410 E Silver Springs Boulevard in August.
Symmetry Coffee Company took over the old location of Katya Vineyards in October.