Jason and Sue Chin, the founders of Good Salt Restaurant Group, are planning to open Osteria Ester in the Thornton Park neighborhood, in the former Soco space at 629 E Central Boulevard.
The restaurant, helmed by chef/partner Michael Cooper (the Osprey), will offer classic Italian-American dishes in a comfortable, neighborhood setting. According to Orlando Weekly, the restaurant is planning on a mid-November opening date.
A recent Instagram post referenced Billy Joel’s iconic “Scenes From an Italian Restaurant”, announcing that, “chef/partner Cooper will meet you anytime you want…at their Italian restaurant”.
The restaurant, named for Cooper’s grandmother, will serve classic dishes such as fresh pasta and hose-baked focaccia.
Osteria Ester is the latest restaurant to come from Good Salt Restaurant Group. In 2025, founders Jason and Sue Chin were James Beard Award finalists in the “Outstanding Restaurateur” category and were semifinalists in the same category in 2022 for their commitment to bringing quality restaurants to the Orlando community. The duo have been a part of the Orlando hospitality family for a quarter of a century, and aren’t slowing down any time soon.
In addition to Osteria Ester and the Osprey, Good Salt Restaurant Group owns and operates Seito Sushi, Reyes Mezcaleria, The Monroe, and Sparrow. Each restaurant, according to the company’s website, is, “designed to add vibrancy to its neighborhood and serve as a cultural hub for community and connection”.
