Florida Cracker Cookshack will open as the newest location of the Florida Cracker chain at 511 S Broad St. When What Now Orlando spoke with Blair Hensley via phone, he said that there isn’t a specific date set for the opening but that the space is pretty much ready to go once plan review is complete.
Hensley says that he is just waiting on the city and says that it could take 20 days or it could take 90 days, but his estimate is that the restaurant should be open in 30 days.
The Florida Cracker chain has seven locations, including Lunch On Limoges – a landmark eatery that the chain purchased, and Florida Cracker Cookshack will make the eighth location.
A full menu for Florida Cracker Cookshack has not been released, because Hensley prefers to keep some mystery about the proceedings, but he did give What Now Orlando some hints. Hensley mentioned brisket, fried livers and gizzards, and a hot chicken sandwich. He calls it Florida Soul Food.
The location will have a bar since they will have a liquor license. The restaurant will be based on the quick service hybrid model. Three 100-year-old “grandfather” oaks surround the restaurant’s outdoor area, and picnic tables will serve as seating. Hensley calls it “a little blast from the past, with a mixture of modern in it.” The capacity will be 70 seats inside and 70 seats outside.
For dessert, the restaurant will have milkshakes, banana creme pies, and possibly some parfaits. Hensley encourages customers to “drive to the hills of Brooksville and get a good meal under the grandfather oaks.”
