One of Orlando’s
Landlord filed suit to evict business, its owner in 2015, alleging failure to pay property, sales taxes
oldest bars shut its doors this week.
One of Orlando’s oldest bars shut its doors this week.
A notice posted on the front door of the popular Burton’s Bar in the Thornton Park neighborhood read, “Friends, Burton’s will be moving to a new location over the next 30 days. See you soon.”
According to Orange County court records, Burton’s landlord, a company called T Park LLC, filed suit to evict Burton’s and its owner Robert Bonnewell in 2015.
There was no response to a phone call to Bonnewell.
The landlord alleged that Bonnewell had fallen behind on paying taxes as required by its lease — $4,052.75 for unpaid real estate taxes and $8,190.00 in unpaid sales taxes.
Court records state that Bonnewell then agreed to a payment plan.
The landlord alleged in July that Bonnewell had made several payments late, or had paid just shy of the required amount, and requested an eviction order.
After months of more legal wrangling, a default order against Bonnewell was issued Feb. 23.
The building at 801 E. Washington St. first appeared in city directories as “Burton’s Sundries” in 1937.
It eventually became Burton’s Bar & Grill in 1969 after years of selling beer as a general store.
The bar was known for its relaxed atmosphere with games and televisions — as well as its affordable drinks.
Todd Cohen, of Cohen Real Estate Capital LLC, a previous owner of the property, said he believed a new lease for the property would be signed soon.
“It’s a great spot for a neighborhood bar and restaurant,” he said.