A local restaurant that got its start over four years ago has permanently closed its doors due to ongoing financial challenges.
Hungry Pants has officially closed its business in Orlando’s South Downtown (SoDo) District. Owners Joey Conicella and Alex Marin, who previously operated The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck, made the announcement through the company’s social media channels on Monday, December 11.
“We have decided to close our doors indefinitely. It has not been a secret that our opening in November 2019 provided many financial challenges for this business to get off the ground,” reads the post.
Marin says that the business kept its doors open over the past four years through “sheer grit, determination and a commitment to share” their concept with the community.
During its time, Hungry Pants developed a strong, loyal following that celebrated the business for its whole and balanced food options that flirted the line with comfort foods. Marin says that he hopes more people will support local businesses, especially those that fill a different “niche.”
“If you have the money to spend, spend it locally. Spend it with a small creative business that is filling a void and building upon our communities creative fabric. Orlando will continue to grow into a more cultured place to live and raise a family if we all bolster niche businesses,” reads Marin’s statement on social media.
The business joins several other restaurants that have closed their doors in and around downtown Orlando over the past year.
DoveCote Restaurant closed its location at 390 N Orange Avenue, Suite 110, on October 1, following a seven-year run at the space in downtown.
In July, Leo’s Diner permanently closed its location in downtown Orlando after an over 13-year run.
Just down the block from the diner, Neon Beach closed its doors after a multi-year run on Orange Avenue.
The Bagel Dudes opened its first location in downtown and closed it a few weeks later. The business was located in the base of 55 West and was part of a large group of businesses that were severely impacted when the city of Orlando closed multiple roadways in the area due to scaffolding issues caused by construction.
Ace Café permanently closed its doors at the end of May on the same weekend that B Nice Patio Bar closed its location near Lake Eola.
Two businesses with over a decade of residency in downtown Orlando, Harry Buffalo and Le Gourmet Break, officially closed their locations this spring. The businesses both suggested that they were unable to renew their leases with their landlords.