According to recent reporting, a popular Cuban eatery is facing some unexpected setbacks as it seeks to open its third Central Florida location.
“Amid online rumors and speculation, Black Bean Deli, a locally owned cafe with locations in Winter Park and Orlando, updated social media followers last week on the status of its third location at 126 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden,” The Business Journal states.
The post confirmed there is not yet a set opening date for the cafe. Owner Andres Cortón reportedly told Orlando Business Journal the hope is to open by Q2 2026, though nothing is certain at this time.
“When the lease was signed and development began in early 2024, decals on the two large front windows of the building said ;coming soon.’
Today, more than a year-and-a-half after the lease’s signing, the decals read ‘still happening …'” the report adds.
The social media post cited “unique challenges” relating to the development of the historic building as the reasons for the delay. Photos accompanying the post show a gutted interior and piles of bricks and other materials lining the floor.
Owner Andres Cortón previously said the sign on the Plant Street window deliberately avoids a specific opening date, as he cares about doing the building justice in terms of design, which takes time.
“Over the past year, construction adjustments and shifting timelines have taken longer than any project we’ve ever been part of,” the post says.
The one-story building was constructed in 1922 and originally owned by McMillan-Bray Hardware Company, according to University of Central Florida digital archives. Now, with more than a century of life under its belt, the building is being prepared for a new chapter.
