Zaza Cuban Comfort Food opened the doors today at its newest restaurant at 1621 S. Orange Avenue in the high-profile SoDo area of Orlando. The chain’s 11th location, at 2,500 sq. ft., has a larger footprint than its other restaurants, and a larger investment, too. The SoDo location’s previously reported development cost is about 50% greater than most of the chain’s other locations.
“I believe that Zaza SoDo’s unique design elements and atmosphere will make it a community gathering place for SoDo’s residents and the many medical professionals that work in the area,” said Zaza Cuban Comfort Food CEO Luis Fernandez. “We have floor space for community events, a beer and wine bar, and extended hours to serve those working late shifts. It all adds up to us being here for the SoDo community.”
Fernandez said that in addition to the beer and wine bar, Zaza’s SoDo location has all the amenities of its standard locations including an artisan-roasted coffee bar, made-to-order meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as the amazing fresh-baked pastries the chain is known for.
Co-founder and owner Ruben Perez says he can’t wait to introduce Zaza to SoDo.
“From our very first location, I envisioned Zaza as the quintessential diner that everyone knows and loves,” said Perez. “Whether it’s the family recipes, fresh ingredients or the warmth of our customer service, many customers tell us there’s a feeling of home at Zaza.”
“Zaza seeing something special in SoDo and choosing this location to become their flagship is exciting for our community,” said Misty Heath, executive director, SoDo Main Street District. “They’re taking what people already love about Zaza and creating something distinctly SoDo—a larger space, new offerings, and a place where people can gather and spend time together. We’re thrilled to welcome Zaza and see their vision for this space become part of the growing energy and identity of SoDo.”
Zaza will celebrate the grand opening for its Sodo restaurant on October 10, starting at 6:00 a.m. The first 25 persons to arrive on grand opening day will each receive a free Zaza Cuban Comfort coffee mug exclusive to the grand opening. WMGF-FM, Magic 107.7 radio station, will be onsite and broadcast live at the grand opening and will be giving out free cafresco coffee from Zaza all day. As part of the celebration, Zaza will donate $1,000 to the Lifeboat Project. The SoDo location’s normal operating hours are Sunday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Zaza opened its 10th location in Casselberry in July of last year. Earlier this year it announced plans for new locations in Winter Park on Lee Road and at Orlando International Airport, Terminal A. The chain plans to open the Winter Park location in the next several weeks and its airport location later this year. It also plans to open a location at The Loop retail center near Kissimmee in spring of 2027.
