By Jim Carchidi
June 24, 2026
An Orlando business incentive is aiding the addition of two restaurants to the downtown corridor. City commissioners approved DTO Restaurant Program funds for the reuse of a former bank branch at the historic Metcalf Building and a first-generation tenant at the Society Orlando mixed-use tower.
Building business
The DTO Restaurant Program and a counterpart retail program are Community Redevelopment Agency incentives aimed at attracting high-quality businesses buildouts. Qualified applicants can receive the following reimbursements:
- Up to $400,000 for building improvements
- Up to $25,000 for outdoor seating upgrades
- Up to $50,000 in rental assistance
Among the funding requirements are at least five years of industry experience, a detailed business plan and a downtown location. Restaurants must operate for a minimum of three years to avoid a partial repayment obligation.
A separate incentive from Orlando’s Small Business Facade Review Committee was recently approved for the renovation of the Milk District's iconic Hoods Up property. The interest-free deferred loans help cover the cost of exterior upgrades and mechanical improvements related to changes of use for business properties within the Orlando city limits.
Davanti at Society Orlando
One of the approved restaurants will reside at the 27-story Society Orlando mixed-use tower at 410 N. Orange Ave. The 3,129-square-foot, ground-floor space will house a European fusion concept by entrepreneur Ed Zausch and executive chef Joshua Adam Garcia.
Zausch, who operates several restaurant franchises including Blue Coast Burrito and Just Love Coffee, told The Orlando Real the construction timeline is in the early stages. “We still have to go in there and pour concrete,” he said, “but we're going to go as fast as we can now that we're here and we’ve been approved.”
The working name of the venue is "Davanti," after Garcia's restaurant group, and Zausch says the vision is for an upscale vibe similar to Kres Chophouse.
A floor plan and interior design illustration was included with the Davanti application.
The build-out cost is estimated at $795,900.00. The venue qualifies for $312,900 in tenant improvement funding for kitchen equipment, fixtures, electrical and plumbing systems, and structural upgrades. Davanti also qualifies for $50,000 in rental assistance for the first year of its 10-year lease agreement.
Zausch credits Garcia, who appeared on a season of "Food Network Star," for the menu planning and overall concept. Garcia describes the menu as "Italian French fusion cuisine with Latin influences, with a focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques." Zausch and Garcia hope to begin service by the end of the year.
Tropix at the Metcalf Building
The company behind the Negril Jamaican Restaurant chain will add a new Caribbean concept to downtown’s historic Metcalf Building. According to city documents, the restaurant is called Tropix and will feature a high-end, island-themed concept occupying 3,000 square-feet in the former TD Bank space at 100 S. Orange Ave. Attempts to reach owners for comment were unsuccessful.
Tropix will activate the former TD Bank location with an extensive buildout that will add a full kitchen.
The build-out is estimated at $784,595 and qualifies for $210,000 in improvements. The majority of the work will add kitchen equipment and includes plumbing, carpentry, and interior safety upgrades. The $50,000 in rental assistance will also be granted.
More to come
The new restaurants come as major city investments are changing the design of downtown Orlando. A new vision for Lake Eola Park is moving forward and DTO Action Plan projects are adding public spaces and a two-way redesign of Magnolia Avenue.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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