By Jim Carchidi
February 27, 2026
On the day Three Birds Café was set to close its Winter Garden address, owner Ashley Morton joined Cooked Can Brewing co-owner Alan Delahunt to announce the brand would continue at the Crooked Can Minneola Market as Three Birds Express.
Ending an era
Three Birds Café closed its doors on Feb. 26, but not before confirmation that the eatery would exist in another form. Photos by Jim Carchidi
Three Birds is one of three simultaneous small business closings in Winter Garden’s popular Plant Street district stemming from recent commercial property purchases. Morton told The Orlando Real that Three Birds had taken over the lease of the former diner at 2 W. Plant St. – Savoree – and was informed that renewal would not be an issue. “Unfortunately, that was not the reality for us,” she said. “There was no transparency or communication on either end, whether that be one landlord or the other. We didn’t get a chance to pitch our concept.” Operations ceased at the end of service on Feb. 26.
Winter Garden resident Sheri Heitke distributes copies of a notice asking city leaders to help local small businesses and preserve Winter Garden history.
Residents have voiced concerns regarding possible changes to Plant Street’s small-town, locally-owned vibe, and have attempted to petition the city’s help. However, city leaders have stated the property ownership and lease agreements “are private, contractual matters between property owners and tenants.”
Expanding a brand
Crooked Can Minneola Market will be a larger version of the brewery's Plant Street venue and feature more than 12 food hall vendors. Images courtesy of Walker Design
Crooked Can’s 42,000-square-foot Minneola Market is currently under construction and expected to open this summer. Like the brewery’s Plant Street Market at 426 W. Plant St, the facility will house a brewery, canning facility and taproom with a connected food hall. A live music venue and outdoor beer garden will round out the floor plan. The market will join the 96-acre Hills City Center on North Hancock Road, which will offer multi-family apartment units along with a dedicated senior living area, shopping center, medical offices, and community areas.
Morton said she first reached out to Crooked Can owners in Dec. 2024 after years of research on express and grab-and-go concepts. “I just thought that was a great way to expand our brand without having the risk of a full brick-and-mortar in an unknown area.”
Morton outlines Three Birds Express in the social media video announcement with Delahunt. A menu of 11 dishes will include favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Cheese, and Tomato Bisque. A full coffee, juice, and pastry bar will also be added. Staff from the Winter Garden location will be joining the effort, which began on Friday, Feb. 27, with the move from Plant Street to Minneola.
Building a future
Morton says the search is on for a new diner location that would be similar to Three Birds Winter Garden and could open before the end of the year.
Before the Winter Garden lease ended, Morton’s plan was to remain on Plant Street with an expansion that also included a second diner. She says the effort to find a new location is in full swing with Winter Garden, Oakland, Clermont, and Horizon West in the running.
“I’m hoping we can sign something in the coming months and that we can open before the end of 2026,” she said. “We know as much as people will love our express concept, we want to make sure we’re able to provide that dining room, brunch, daytime feel."
Morton plans to post social media updates in the coming weeks on the Three Birds Express location, and on her efforts to open a new diner.
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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