By Jim Carchidi
February 20, 2026
Winter Garden residents are asking for city assistance regarding property purchases along Plant Street and the impact to the business community.
Small business losses
Patrons enter Three Birds Café during the Feb. 20 breakfast rush. The business is set to close on Feb. 26 after announcing the loss of its lease earlier in the week. Photos by Jim Carchidi
Concerns were raised when the owners of three Plant Street businesses, Three Birds Café, Polka Dotz, and Driftwood Market, and Main Street business Ruby & Rust, announced this week they would soon be closing their doors after losing their leases. A Feb. 17 post by Driftwood Market on the Downtown Winter Garden Facebook page includes the following:
“Our building was sold last October to a new owner who plans to bring a restaurant to downtown, and as a result, our lease will not be renewed at the end of May. This was completely unexpected, and the past few months have been an emotional rollercoaster for us.” The post goes on to explain that owners are looking for spaces outside the downtown area.
Later that day, the team behind Polka Dotz announced the loss of their lease that accompanied a request to vacate in June, after more than 19 years in the community. Ruby & Rust also announced the loss of its lease and Feb. 26 closing.
A community rally scheduled outside Three Birds Café on the morning of Friday, Feb. 20, was called off in a Facebook post by Three Birds owner, Ashley Morton, who cited angry social media comments aimed at the city and the building owners.
“It has never been our intention to incite anger or direct negativity toward the city, our landlord, or any individual. Because of comments circulating that do not reflect our values or culture, we have made the decision to cancel tomorrow’s gathering. We will be open regular hours but we will not be hosting an event,” reads the post. Morton goes on to reveal plans for a Three Birds Express concept in a new location, intended for a mid-2026 opening. “Wherever we land next, our greatest hope is to carry this beautiful community with us.”
Three Birds is schedule to close on Feb. 26.
Property purchases
Three Birds and Polka Dotz are located in The Bond Building, 2 W. Plant St., which was purchased on Dec. 31 for $4 million by Anton Property Investors, LLC. The property is among several commercial purchases along Plant Street that include:
- Edgewater Hotel, 99 W. Plant St.: Sold in August for $10.3 million
- Allen & Company office space, 16 E. Plant St.: Sold November 21 for $2.3 million
- Real Estate Collection building, 100 and 126 W. Plant St.: Sold Dec. 31 for $6.5 million
- Tremaine Boyd building, 109 S. Boyd St.: Sold January 5 for $10.4 million
The Edgewater and Real Estate Collection buildings were also purchased by Anton. According to an Orlando Business Journal story, the building that houses Ruby & Rust is owned by Candy Properties and Investments Inc. and the Driftwood Market address is owned by Shurlock LLC.
Community support
Winter Garden resident Sheri Heitke distributes copies of a notice asking city leaders to help local small businesses and preserve Winter Garden history.
Residents accompanying Heitke speak with passersby about their feelings towards the business closures.
A small business supporter holds a sign in front of Winter Garden City Hall.
Despite Morton’s attempt to end the rally, a small group of residents showed up at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 20. About five participants marched from Three Birds to Winter Garden City Hall, distributing paper copies of a notice requesting city ordinances protecting the history and charm of the downtown area. Among the requests is a ban on chain restaurants in the historic district and a program to help small businesses negotiate favorable leases.
“We need to be practical about preserving the history of Winter Garden,” said the author of the notice, Sheri Heitker. “We hope to have a conversation with the city about parameters for businesses and redevelopment.”
City of Winter Garden Economic Development Director, Marc O. Hutchinson, issued a statement regarding the issues and concerns, which includes the following:
Property ownership and lease agreements are private, contractual matters between property owners and tenants. Individuals and corporations have the right to buy, sell, and lease property. The City does not have the legal authority to intervene in or control these private real estate transactions or lease decisions, provided they comply with applicable laws and codes.
The City remains committed to supporting a vibrant and desirable downtown. We will continue working with property owners, business operators, and community stakeholders to preserve the character of our downtown, encourage investment, and support opportunities for small locally owned businesses.
What's next?
Heitker said she and other residents plan to ask Winter Garden commissioners for assistance during their next meeting. Meanwhile, Three Birds diners enjoyed their breakfast but were unsure of what lay ahead.
“We’re not franchise fans,” said Jodi Stewart, who has frequented Three Birds with daughter, Jordan Allard, and her son-in-law Anthony Allard since the café opened in 2021. “We moved here because of the local businesses and the sense of community.”
When asked how a change in the business landscape might affect their future in Winter Garden, Jordan Allard said they might not consider moving, but they would take their business elsewhere.
“We want to support local businesses but if they go away, we wouldn’t be spending much time on Plant Street.”
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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