For nearly two decades, The Chef’s Table and The Tasting Room have been woven into the fabric of downtown Winter Garden, hosting everything from first dates and anniversary dinners to family celebrations and milestone moments. Now, the award-winning restaurants are preparing for their biggest evolution yet.
The sister concepts will relocate to expanded homes inside the historic Bond Building at 2 and 12 W. Plant St., with openings planned for mid-2027. Until then, guests can continue dining at their longtime location inside the iconic Edgewater Hotel without interruption.
The move represents more than a change of address—it signals a new investment in one of Central Florida’s most beloved dining destinations while preserving another important piece of Winter Garden history.
From One Historic Landmark to Another
For the past 18 years, the restaurants have operated inside the 1927 Edgewater Hotel, becoming a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Their future home, however, reaches even further back into Winter Garden’s story.
Originally constructed in 1912 as the Dillard & Boyd Building, the Bond Building was built by civic leaders James L. Dillard and Benjamin T. Boyd. It became the first brick building constructed downtown following the devastating fire of 1909 and today remains the oldest surviving brick building in Winter Garden’s historic district.
Relocating the restaurants there continues a tradition of breathing new life into some of the city’s most treasured architecture.
A Beloved Local Success Story
Kevin and Laurie Tarter founded The Chef’s Table in May 2008 with just nine tables, 30 seats and a single small kitchen.
The intimate restaurant quickly earned recognition as Orlando’s Best New Restaurant before receiving Florida Trend’s prestigious Golden Spoon Award. Three years later, they expanded with The Tasting Room, which went on to earn Orlando Magazine readers’ recognition for Best Appetizers.
Together, the two concepts eventually grew to nearly 200 seats—all supported by that original kitchen.
Today, the restaurants remain gathering places where countless community memories have been made.
More Room to Grow
The new Bond Building location finally provides something the restaurants have never had—space.
Plans call for:
- A significantly larger commercial kitchen
- Expanded dining rooms for both restaurant concepts
- Multiple private dining and event spaces overlooking Plant and Main streets
- Expanded covered outdoor seating
- New employment opportunities ahead of the 2027 opening
Despite the physical expansion, guests can expect the same familiar faces.
General Manager Alicia Havard and the existing leadership team will continue overseeing daily operations, ensuring the experience that diners have come to expect remains unchanged.
Honoring the Past While Investing in the Future
Current ownership says the expansion fulfills a vision that began nearly two decades ago.
“Kevin and I always dreamed about what these restaurants could do with more room,” said co-founder Laurie Tarter. “Watching Jim and his team carry that vision forward—and grow it in the heart of the town we love—means everything to us.”
Jim Larweth, founder of Anton Hospitality Holdings and Anton Property Investors, says preserving what made the restaurants successful has been central to every decision.
“When Kevin and Laurie entrusted us with these restaurants, we made a commitment to honor what they built and protect the people and guest experience that made it special,” Larweth said. “This expansion is that commitment in action—a larger kitchen, more room for guests, new private dining and event spaces, and a long-term home in one of Winter Garden’s most important historic buildings.”
The Experience Guests Know Isn’t Changing
While the footprint will grow considerably, restaurant leadership says the personality behind the restaurants will remain intact.
“Our guests will see the same familiar faces and the same experience they’ve trusted for years,” said Alicia Havard, general manager of The Chef’s Table and The Tasting Room. “What expands is everything around it—a larger kitchen for our chefs, new private spaces for celebrations, and more room for the memories our guests come here to make.”
Preserving History Through Hospitality
The project also reflects the broader mission of Anton Property Investors, which focuses on restoring and preserving historic properties while giving them renewed purpose within their communities.
By transforming one of Winter Garden’s most significant historic buildings into the next home for two of its most celebrated restaurants, the investment blends preservation, economic development and hospitality in a way that reinforces the character of downtown.
As design details, menus and hiring plans are unveiled over the coming months, one thing is already certain: Winter Garden’s dining scene is preparing for its next chapter—one rooted in history while built for the future.