The Avenue | Food

ZeeZenia International Market under construction after a fire tarnished the inside Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022. It is set to reopen on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

Zeezenia International Market to reopen after fire

By Erina Anwar | Sep. 21

The Ebrahim family had to remodel the entire store and buy brand new appliances, shelves and inventory. The total cost was over $180,000.

The Enson Market, an international grocery store, sits at University Towne Center in Gainesville Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022.

Gainesville Asian markets give customers a ‘taste of home’

By Erina Anwar | Sep. 12

Customers wait outside Brownie Guy on its final day Monday Sept. 12.

Gainesville favorite Brownie Guy to close after owner Chris DeVeau’s death

By Lauren Brensel | Sep. 12

Outside of the re-opening of The Swamp Restaurant on Monday, Aug. 29, 2022.

The Swamp Restaurant returns to Gainesville after temporary 2020 closure

By Luna Boales | Aug. 31

The restaurant temporarily closed its University Avenue doors Apr. 30 to begin renovations and changes under new management.

Mom’s OG stays true to its roots

By Anna Ward | June 6

Flaco's, open until 2:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, is a favorite late-night food spot among Gainesville residents.

A guide to Gainesville’s best late-night bites

By Amanda Friedman | May 10

More The Avenue | Food

The Hub Food Court, located at UF in Gainesville, Fla., is seen empty on August 31, 2020.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Dining halls to at-home cooking: UF students discuss college eating habits

By Jared Teitel | May 1

Hundreds of hungry college students continuously line campus cafes. After a full day of lectures and textbook chapters, they’re ready to be served a hearty dinner of grilled chicken, smoked pit ham, vegetable medleys and pasta topped with tomato sauce and fresh basil on hard plastic plates.

Birdie Box's Maui Wowie Sando with grilled pineapple and Sweet and Spicy sauce added. (Courtesy to The Alligator)

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gourmet chicken sandwiches galore at Birdie Box’s grand opening

By Eileen Calub | Mar. 30

Birdie Box, a gourmet chicken sandwich food truck at 2216 SW 13th St, will have its grand opening as a cashless drive-up and curbside pick-up restaurant on April 1.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Opus Coffee plans to host birthday party to celebrate its 20th anniversary

By Amanda Friedman | Mar. 15

Opus and other Gainesville favorites such as Feliz Flavors Ice Cream and Satch Squared Pizza and Waffles will sell food at the event. Live music performances by Gainesville-based artists Mr. Aullie, Richy Stano, Ali and Will, Bears and Lions and Dan Flok will run throughout the event. Attendees can take pictures in the photo booth and enter a giveaway for the chance to win different Opus merchandise like mugs, t-shirts, stickers, koozies, candles and hip bags repurposed from Opus Coffee bags. For kids, there will be face painting and balloon animals.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Food that feeds your soul: Gainesville African and soul food cuisine honors local Black community

By Jared Teitel | Mar. 1

Although much of the historic legacy of the Black community in America is commemorated through the work of civil rights trailblazers, local African and soul food pop-ups in Gainesville celebrate their culture through their culinary traditions.

Elena Pollio's handmade bowtie pasta at one of her cooking classes. (Courtesy of Elena Pollio)

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Traveling pasta instructor brings a taste of Italy to Gainesville homes

By Jared Teitel | Feb. 10

The second-generation Italian-American grew up in the kitchen cooking pasta with her mother for holidays and family gatherings. Through Pasta by Pollio, she has the chance to pass along her family knowledge of Italian cooking for a living.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

A guide to vegan food options in Gainesville

By Elizabeth Dwyer | Jan. 28

The vast plant-based meal options in Gainesville provide citizens with an easy transition to this way of living without sacrificing their favorite dishes.

Kava Gator opened earlier this year, and it aims to educate its customers on the use of varied botanical substances

THE AVENUE | FOOD

New coffee shop and kava bar Kava Gator opens in Gainesville

By Anushka Dakshit | Nov. 18

Kava Gator, Gainesville's newest kava bar, serves kava, kratom, blue lotus and other botanical substances with sedative effects in their teas and coffees.

Jeremiah's employees gather by the order window at the store's grand opening Oct. 26.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

New Jeremiah’s location opens in Gainesville

By Alexis Carson | Oct. 31

The Gainesville location of ice cream chain Jeremiah’s Italian Ice opened in Butler Esplanade Oct. 26.

The winner of the Latte Art Throwdown will receive a $300 grand prize.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Local coffee shop to host latte art competition

By Luigi Bencosme | Oct. 21

Local coffee shop Wyatt’s Coffee partnered up with its sister company, Resident Coffee Roasters, to host a latte art competition Oct. 21. Baristas throughout Florida will be putting their skills to the test in an effort to win hundreds in cash.

The local restaurant has raised over $29,000 through Mainvest, which allows patrons to invest.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gainesville burger pop-up raises close to $30,000 from customer investments

By Alan Halaly | Oct. 14

DJ’s Cast Iron Burgers is giving people the opportunity to invest in the business through a platform called Mainvest. The local food truck is hoping to open a physical restaurant with the money gained from investments.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Avenue recommendations: Gainesville’s best Hispanic restaurants

By Avenue Staff | Sep. 30, 2021

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Check out the rundown of the Avenue staff’s favorite Gainesville restaurants and treat your tastebuds to authentic Hispanic cuisine year-round.

Ryan Ealy, 20, Feliz Flavors shift lead, hands off two small ice creams to customers on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. The truck is located at 4th Ave Food Park and has flavors that range from matcha to passion fruit.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Feliz Flavors doesn’t plan on cooling down any time soon

By Anushka Dakshit | Sep. 7, 2021

With its natural ingredients and classic Latin flavorings, local ice cream truck Feliz Flavors aims to take over the ice cream industry.

Legendary Gator football coach Steve Spurrier gathered with family and staff to celebrate the opening of Spurrier's Gridiron Grille. The restaurant, located at 4860 SW 31st Place, opened Aug. 11.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Spurrier's Gridiron Grille has officially kicked off

By Alexis Carson | Aug. 15, 2021

After years of planning and months of test trials for family and friends, the restaurant held its grand opening Aug. 11. The opening drew loyal and excited Gator fans ready to indulge in the long awaited dining experience.

The Spurrier's Gridiron Grille and rooftop bar, as seen on Sunday, August 1, 2021, had to delay opening due to staffing issues. The restaurant, which is located at 4860 SW 31st Place in Gainesville, will open August 11.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille announces official opening to the public

By Alexis Carson | Aug. 2, 2021

After months of anticipation, legendary Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier’s newest play off the field, Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille and Visor’s rooftop bar is ready for its kick-off opening.