A settlement has been reached in the dispute between Mary Demetree, the owner of Park Plaza Gardens, and the landlord of the building, Park Avenue Plaza of Winter Park, LTD. Details of the settlement have not been disclosed, but Park Plaza Gardens, once a fixture of Winter Park and at one time a venerable dining and special occasion destination, will not reopen.
“After 36 years as one of Winter Park’s iconic gathering places, Park Plaza Gardens will not be reopening,” Demetree said in a statement provided by her spokeswoman, Sara Brady of Sara Brady Public Relations. “The restaurant earned its place as part of Winter Park culture by providing patrons with wonderful memories of brunches, bridal showers, and just enjoying a glass of wine late at night on the Avenue. I am grateful for all those who supported and loved the restaurant for so very long.”
The restaurant has been closed since March 7, 2016, for what Demetree, who has been the owner for 18 years, said were water intrusion and rat infestation issues. Details of the dispute were reported here in December.
All along, the official line of the restaurant’s management was that it was “temporarily closed.” However, after nearly 17 months, few will be surprised that the closure is now permanent.
Indeed, many have asked if the business would have been able to reemerge after the brand had been so negatively impacted.
And will anyone else be able to move in and take over the space to start anew? If a new business does move in, it won’t likely be called Park Plaza Gardens — Demetree retains ownership of the name.
