WINTER PARK, Fla. - Winter Park entrepreneur Ron Schwartz has sold his interest in the award-winning Park Plaza Gardens Restaurant & Café in downtown Winter Park to restaurant partner Mary Demetree.
Schwartz, who acquired his interest in the fine dining restaurant sidewalk café and bar in 2002, guided the landmark facility through major renovations and repositioning as one of the region’s best-known restaurants.
As operating partner, Schwartz developed and expanded sidewalk dining, introduced a contemporary fusion menu influenced by Asian, Middle Eastern and continental cuisine; expanded the restaurant’s accommodations outside the formal garden fine dining room; introduced a trendy martini menu and live entertainment to the sidewalk café, established a region-wide e-mail marketing and social network program, and instituted a server training program that included extended tours of California wineries.
Schwartz’s iconic improvements paid off---last year, Park Plaza Gardens Restaurant & Café reported food and beverage sales in excess of $3 million.
Under Schwartz’ leadership, Park Plaza Gardens has given back to the community donating to many charitable organizations in Central Florida including the Council of 101, Hospice of the Comforter, Special Olympics, Morningstar School, Menello Museum and Boys Town.
Schwartz helped to shape the new political landscape in Winter Park encouraging business development, the closing of Park Avenue for special events, and free valet parking for Park Avenue visitors.
“We have developed a loyal following and I’m sure our friends and neighbors will continue to patronize the restaurant and bar,” said Schwartz.
For more information, please contact:
Ron Schwartz, 407-342-3648 (direct)
Larry Vershel, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142
