ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – The sudden closure of the popular Dr. Phillips restaurant SLATE, announced via social media, has been revealed as a strategic business move by Unicorp CEO Chuck Whittall. The restaurant, a staple since 2015, closed its doors in a decision that Whittall describes as an opportunistic response to a new venture.
Behind the Scenes of SLATE’s Closure
Whittall, who oversaw SLATE along with his other business ventures, stated that an exciting new opportunity for the space led to the closure. While details about the incoming tenant remain under wraps, he assured that an announcement is imminent in the coming weeks. This revelation hints at a significant development for the property at 8323 Sand Lake Road.
The Final Service and Employee Severance
The closure, which took effect on December 31, left several employees with little notice, a situation Whittall addressed as an unfortunate but standard practice in the restaurant industry. Acknowledging the difficulty of the situation, he mentioned that Unicorp is offering severance pay to SLATE’s former employees, indicating a level of responsibility towards the affected staff.
The Legacy of SLATE
SLATE, known for its scratch kitchen featuring pasta, pizzas, seafood, and casual fare like burgers and fried chicken, had become a beloved part of the community along Restaurant Row. The closure message to customers, expressing gratitude and bidding farewell, resonated with the patrons who had supported the restaurant over the years.
What’s Next for the Location?
The anticipation builds as the community awaits the announcement of what will replace SLATE. Whittall’s confidence in the decision suggests a significant development, potentially bringing a new dimension to the culinary scene of Dr. Phillips.