At its peak, the Italian restaurant chain Buca di Beppo had more than 90 locations. Now, only about 40 remain after the Orlando-based chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year.
One of its three metro Orlando locations, located at 1351 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland, closed in June 2024 after nearly 25 years. Now, the building’s owner is replacing the shuttered restaurant with an upscale retail center.
Miami Beach-based United Capital says the 8,000-square-foot center will be named Park Maitland Square. It’s directly across the street from Park Maitland School, a private school, and is surrounded by several large apartment complexes. The configuration of the retail center will be flexible, and United Capital is seeking to lease it to one to four tenants.
“Its proximity to Park Maitland School and limited number of suites make it ideally suited for family-focused health and wellness services, including pediatrics, dental and therapy practices, along with select retail and dining establishments,” said Adam J. Tiktin, managing principal of United Capital.
Construction is underway, with the center scheduled to be ready for tenants in the first quarter of 2026. A new restaurant has already expressed interest in leasing half the building, Tiktin said. “We’re confident it’s going to fill up soon.”
The redevelopment plan includes the interior demolition of the former restaurant space, removal of the porte-cochere, modernization of its building systems, a new exterior façade, and new landscaping. Fully reconfigured interiors will be designed to accommodate customized tenant buildouts, Tiktin said. The center will also have monument signage.
“The demolition is done – just the interior. We kept the exterior shell, which will have a new, modern look,” Tiktin said.
Tiktin touted the property as being in a strategic location, surrounded by some of Central Florida’s wealthiest neighborhoods, with exceptional visibility and steady traffic. About 39,500 vehicles pass by on South Orlando Avenue daily, and there’s an average household income of about $124,000 within a one-mile radius, he said.
Tiktin bought the building 18 years ago. “I loved the area. It’s an affluent, upscale area in the Maitland-Winter Park corridor with an A-plus, highly rated school right across the street,” he said. “Last year I went by there on a Friday and saw traffic backed up for a mile to turn into the school. I thought it was incredible.”
His holding company, United Capital, owns and operates a portfolio of single- and multi-tenant retail, mixed-use, medical office and health care properties throughout Florida.
Drew Forness and Monte Mitchell of Forness Properties are overseeing the retail leasing of this property. Geoff Furey and Nick Sanfilipo of the Franklin Street commercial real estate firm are serving as the project managers.
The property was previously listed for sale at $4.5 million. It’s no longer for sale, Tiktin said.
Buca di Beppo closed its Maitland location at 1351 S. Orlando Ave. last year after 25 years of serving heaping portions of pasta, salads and other Italian favorites. (Courtesy of United Capital)
As for Buca di Beppo, it has had a rocky journey after reaching its high point in the early 2000s. In 2006, several Buca executives, including its former CEO and CFO, were charged with federal fraud and embezzlement. As part of a turnaround effort after the scandal, the chain was sold to Planet Hollywood in 2008. It moved its headquarters to Orlando in 2011.
Its business took a major hit during the COVID pandemic when its business model – with hearty portions of food served family-style – became less appealing to diners who wanted social distancing instead of sharing platters of lasagna. After filing for bankruptcy in August 2024, the chain was sold to a private equity firm last November. It’s one of a series of restaurant chains to declare bankruptcy in recent years, including Boston Market, BurgerFi, California Pizza Kitchen, Chuck E. Cheese, Red Lobster, Rubio’s Coastal Grill, Sizzler, TGI Fridays and Tijuana Flats.
When Buca di Beppo’s Maitland location was shuttered last year, a statement from the company said the closing was due to the expiration of its lease. Buca di Beppo still maintains Central Florida locations in the Florida Mall and Celebration.
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Dining and Cooking