Bela Lisboa Restaurant, featuring Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes at 3510 S. Nova Road in Port Orange since 2021 will close Monday, April 7.
The site at Tuscan Village Shoppes will reopen later as Pelican Bistro.
Joe Vagos who owns Bela Lisboa with his wife, Anca, said it was time to take a break, recharge and reflect on next steps. The new owners are a couple from Pennsylvania. The new restaurant, according to Mr. Vagos, will have a different concept with more traditional American fare. Current employees were offered jobs with the new owners.
Born in Portugal, Mr. Vagos has vast experience in the hospitality industry including as a food and beverage manager on cruise lines where he met his wife. He owned two restaurants in Portugal before opening the first ever Portuguese restaurant in Romania. In 2017 the couple moved to the United States and opened a restaurant in Tennessee where one daughter was born and raised. Another daughter lives in Portugal with the youngest daughter in Port Orange.
“We fell in love with this area here,” Mr. Vagos said. “We used to come here on holidays. We decided to buy a house (in Port Orange) and open a business. For the time being we are going to take a break and decide what we are going to do. I cannot (just) stay home. I don’t want to spend so many hours in the business anymore, but I want to be connected to it. We are designing another menu based on the same background.”
He said it is possible they will open another restaurant in the future “scaled up” given his background of fine dining. His training includes working with executive chefs in France. He already has some new business ideas but has no time frame for opening a new business.
Mr. Vagos wanted to make it clear closing was strictly their decision, nothing to do with the rent or landlord. The lease is almost up and the timing was right to move on, especially with the new owners eager to take over. However, they will keep a Facebook page up so people can follow them.
Anca Vagos is an elementary school teacher and originally from Romania. Joe Vagos admits to a love of fishing, which he probably will start doing more as well as travel.
Bela Lisboa was the only Portuguese restaurant in Volusia County. The website stated “What sets us apart? Our commitment to freshness, our passion for food and dedication to quality! We believe that great food starts with the freshest ingredients. From the vibrant flavors of Portugal to the aromatic spices of the Mediterranean, our menu is a reflection of our commitment to quality, made-from-scratch dishes for YOU.
“Our chefs craft each dish with love and attention to detail, ensuring that every bite is a true culinary delight. Whether you’re indulging in our famous Bacalhau à Brás or Octopus à Lagareiro, savoring the tender Osso Bucco, or enjoying our mouthwatering seafood selections, you can expect a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean.”
That uniqueness will be missed, but Mr. Vagos said, “While it won’t be the same, it will still be a great place, and we truly hope they receive the same love and support from this amazing community as we did.”