Over 20 new restaurants opened in Ocala and Marion County in 2025

At least two dozen restaurants opened or closed locations in Ocala and Marion County in 2025.

In 2024, more than twice as many restaurants opened in Ocala and Marion County.

The following is a partial list of businesses that entered or exited the local market this year, including their locations and a little bit about their menus.

Openings

1. Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened a new location at 8300 SW State Road 200 on December 23. The menu features made-to-order smoothies, toasted flatbreads, and wraps.
2. Kilwin’s opened a chocolate and ice cream shop at 4414 SW College Road (Market Street at Heath Brook) on November 27. The confectionery is known for its Mackinac Island-style fudge and original recipe ice cream.
3. Night Owl Bakery opened at 56 SE 1st Avenue in downtown Ocala in November. The bakery specializes in hand-rolled bagels, sourdough breads, and other baked goods.
4. Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its first Belleview location at 10356 SE US Highway 441 on November 4. The fast-casual chain serves made-to-order burritos, bowls, and tacos.
5. Chicken Guy! opened inside the Ocala Walmart at 2600 SW 19th Avenue Road in October. The concept, championed by chef Guy Fieri, focuses on chicken tenders and 22 signature dipping sauces.

6. Miller’s Ale House opened at 4870 SW College Road in southwest Ocala in mid-October. The sports bar chain offers a wide selection of tap beers, “Zingers” (boneless chicken wings), and burgers.
7. Captain D’s opened its first location in Ocala at 2510 SW 27th Avenue in early September. The fast food chain features a variety of fried fish dishes and sides.

8. Koto Japanese Steakhouse opened a hibachi and sushi restaurant at 3811 SW College Road in August. The menu includes teppanyaki-style grilled dishes, sushi rolls, and bubble tea.
9. Ellianos Coffee opened its second location in Ocala at 101 SW 60th Avenue. The coffee chain offers a variety of iced and hot coffees, teas, smoothies, frozen coffees, and other drinks.
10. Another Chipotle Mexican Grill opened in southwest Ocala on July 22.
11. The Works Bistro opened at 12169 S Williams Street in Dunnellon this summer. The restaurant serves American fare with a focus on fresh ingredients and local flavors.
12. Barons Creek Vineyards opened a tasting room at 16 SW Broadway Street in downtown Ocala. The Texas-based winery offers wine tastings, small plates, and wine club memberships.
13. Smalls Sliders opened its second Ocala location at 7648 SW State Road 200 on June 5. The brand features a simple menu of cheeseburger sliders, waffle fries, and shakes served from a modular “can” building.
14. Seafood Seller & Cafe opened at 2130 E Silver Springs Boulevard in east Ocala in May. The venue is popular for its Cajun-inspired dishes, fresh fish market, and po’ boys.

15. Waffle House opened a location in southwest Ocala on May 30. The 24-hour diner chain is a staple for breakfast foods like waffles, hash browns, and biscuits.
16. Culver’s opened a new location at 3637 W Silver Springs Boulevard on May 20. The Wisconsin-based chain serves ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard.
17. Samurai Hibachi and Ramen opened at 2606 SW 19th Avenue Road in southwest Ocala on April 2. The restaurant offers a variety of ramen bowls, hibachi dishes, and Japanese appetizers.

18. Great Greek Mediterranean Grill opened at 4414 SW College Road (Market Street at Heath Brook) on March 11. The menu features gyros, souvlaki, and house-made hummus.
19. CAVA opened its first Ocala location at 2800 SW College Road on January 27. The fast-casual spot allows customers to build their own Mediterranean bowls and pitas.
20. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes opened at 40 SW Fort King Street in downtown Ocala on January 13. The franchise serves never-frozen beef burgers, hand-cut fries, and real ice cream shakes.

Under Construction / Proposed

• Raising Cane’s began construction on its first Ocala location on State Road 200 in October. The chain is known for its limited menu of chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and Texas toast.
• Jeff’s Bagel Run announced plans in January to build its first location in Ocala. The concept specializes in fresh, hand-crafted bagels and spreads.

Closings

1. OLA Drive-Thru Coffee closed its location at 920 N Pine Avenue on December 5 and its location at 3233 SE Maricamp Road on December 22. The business was known for its espresso-based beverages and signature energy drinks.
2. Brown Dog Coffeehouse closed its location in downtown Ocala on November 26. The cafe served specialty coffee, pastries, and breakfast items.
3. Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ closed its Ocala location in July for the third time. The franchise featured a self-pour beer wall and barbecue sandwiches.
4. Brooklyn’s Backyard closed its location at 2019 E Silver Springs Blvd in Ocala over the summer.
5. Bojangles closed its restaurant on State Road 200 for remodeling before July and the business has yet to reopen five months later. The chain is famous for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken and biscuits.
6. Silver Springs Pizzeria closed its doors sometime before May. The local spot offered pizza, subs, and Italian dinners.
7. A diner in Silver Springs permanently closed on February 23.

Do you know of other restaurants that opened in Ocala and Marion County that we missed? Share them in a comment below or send a letter to the editor.