Tacos and Tequila Lounge Opening in Shuttered Local Bar Space

Taco Kat is set to replace Cleo's.

Ross McWaters
Written By Ross McWaters
News Writer

Cleo’s Lounge, which enjoyed popularity from locals around Orlando, closed their doors back in 2021. Since then, a new concept has been reportedly in the works for the space at 11 S. Court Avenue from Team Market Group. Owners Romi and Keith Mawardi are planning a taquería called Taco Kat, Bungalower reports.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Mawardi reported that the concept is undergoing permitting and will soon begin the hard construction renovations to the space. We can expect to see them open in the summer.

The new establishment will focus on serving tacos crafted with their own house-made Sonoran flour tortillas topped with carne asada, al pastor, pollo asado and barbacoa, according to Orlando Weekly. The menu is being overseen by chef Nick Grecco, who is working with TMG on their upcoming vegan establishment Plantees, which we covered here.

Mawardi mentioned that TMG has in the past focused primarily on serving liquor, and now they are branching out to bring Orlando more food.

TMG also made some real estate moves in early 2022. Mawardi confirmed a report in the Orlando Business Journals that they have acquired two properties: 13 W. Pine St. and 20 S. Orange Ave. According to the article, the purchase was for $5.74 million. Both buildings are leased to several tenants, and TMG is utilizing the upstairs space of the Pine St. property as an office.

According to Mawardi, TMG has no immediate hospitality-related plans for the properties.

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