The World Equestrian Center has announced the name of its new 180,000-square-foot event center, which will feature three new Italian, Asian, and American restaurants, as well as a bakery.
On April 17, WEC provided a brief update on The Equestrian Manor, which is on track to open this fall.
When it opens, the large venue will host conferences, weddings, and other events. The structure will also feature four restaurants, including two rooftop concepts.
According to WEC, The Equestrian Manor will feature “state-of-the-art ballrooms, meeting rooms and globally inspired dining.”
Three of the new restaurants at the site will serve new concepts, while the fourth will be Emma’s Patisserie. The new location for bakery inside The Equestrian Manor is the second for Emma’s Patisserie at WEC.
According to WEC, The Polo Pony will serve American fare for lunch and dinner in a contemporary setting along the first floor of the structure. That restaurant will offer a 32-tap beer program and a “cowhide-clad dining room.”
The rooftop restaurants will offer indoor-outdoor seating arrangements that are “designed for the Florida climate,” according to WEC.
One of the restaurants, Genievieve’s, will serve Italian cuisine from an “Old-World dining room and rooftop bar.” The organization is billing it as a “romantic spot to indulge in fine Italian wine” and seasonal dishes.
The top floor will also feature The White Willow, a pan-Asian restaurant that will serve food with Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai influences, according to WEC. The restaurant will serve elevated Asian street food, sushi, Yakitori, and will offer tea and sake cocktails and a curated selection of Asian beer, according to WEC.
“The new restaurants at The Equestrian Manor will be a testament to the world-class culinary programming we offer at WEC,” said Jeremy Gow, senior director of food and beverage, in a statement issued by WEC. “We’re looking forward to introducing these inventive concepts to the community and beyond, and continuing the excitement around the property’s most loved dining experiences. It’s a special opportunity to bring these restaurants to life, and to serve guests, event professionals and attendees from across the country, all at this beautiful new venue.”
The Equestrian Manor and its four restaurants are scheduled to open this fall. In 2026, WEC has plans to open its Shoppes Off 80th outdoor shopping venue.
Last week, Ocala-News.com reported WEC’s proposed plans to build an entertainment and sports complex at its property.