Orlando’s ‘go-to destination’ for Japanese noodles to close
Sapporo Ramen, known for its Japanese noodle soup and other offerings, is set to shut down by the end of the month.
The Orlando restaurant, at 5080 W. Colonial Drive, will close on Dec. 28, a sign at the restaurant said.
“The owners of this establishment will be retiring,” the sign said.
Former Orlando Sentinel food editor Heather McPherson wrote in 2013 that the Chinatown shopping center restaurant wasn’t fine dining but offered “finely crafted food.”
“For a real Japanese noodle fix, Chinatown’s Sapporo Ramen is the go-to destination in Orlando,” she wrote.
Sapporo Ramen was temporarily closed last year after roaches were found by a health inspector.
Kate Hudson’s store comes to Orlando
A retailer co-founded by actress Kate Hudson will sell its activewear at Orlando’s Mall at Millenia.
Fabletics is set to celebrate its grand opening at 10 a.m. on Dec. 14 in a 2,585-square-foot space on the second level of the mall at 4200 Conroy Road, Orlando.
Hudson said in a news release the company aimed to build an “inclusive community that inspired women to live an active lifestyle.”
“I’m excited to continue to expand our retail footprint and bring our new store concept to Orlando,” Hudson said. “Fabletics is a brand for all women and our mission from the very beginning was about so much more than just creating cute activewear.”
The retailer started in 2013 and has 35 stores in the United States.
Pointe Orlando gets tacos
A Mexican restaurant from the owners of two International Drive restaurants is set to open next year at Pointe Orlando.
KAVAS Tacos + Tequila is expected to open in September in the space that previously housed Minus5 Ice Bar and Johnny Rockets. Its drink menu will include tequila flights and classic margaritas.
The restaurant’s name is a combination of owners Katerina and Vassilis Coumbaros’ names. They own Taverna Opa, at Pointe Orlando, and Tapa Toro.
“We are excited to bring KAVAS Tacos + Tequila to the locals and travelers alike and are grateful to be able to open our doors once more in Pointe Orlando, where we have already been providing quality hospitality and entertainment for over a decade,” Katerina Coumbaros said in a news release. “We are thrilled to be able to work on new projects and look forward to continuing our success in the region.”
Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive, Orlando, is undergoing a $32 million renovation adding artistic elements and a 100-foot passageway connecting parts of the center. It is set to be completed in early 2021.
KAVAS Tacos + Tequila is expected to be one of four restaurants opening there next year, including Rodizio Grill, Hampton Social and Brother Jimmy’s BBQ.
United Trophy moves Seminole store
United Trophy’s Casselberry store will close by the end of the year, but a new shop is coming to Altamonte Springs.
The Casselberry shop at 345 E.
Semoran Blvd. will close Dec. 20 and the new Altamonte Springs store at 600 E. Altamonte Drive will open Jan. 2. The downtown Orlando store at 610 N. Orange Ave. is also undergoing a renovation scheduled to be completed early next year, according to a news release.
The custom trophy, personalized apparel, banner and signage business also has a store in Terrace at the Florida Mall, at 730
Sand Lake Road, Orlando. United Trophy has been in business in Central Florida since 1968.
“We always aim to provide the most high-quality products, topnotch service and easy convenience for our customers — this new store will help us do just that,” owner Lamont Garber said in the news release.