About This Episode
Paul Hunter’s Restaurant in Deland is closing its doors after 73 years serving in downtown DeLand, Florida. This is my tribute to one of the finest locally-owned restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit.
Transcript
Around ten years ago after I had just moved to Orlando from Newport Beach, California. Often I would spend time on weekends to drive around central Florida trying to become familiar with the towns and places around my home.
I happened on this one occasion to drive around 30 minutes northeast of Orlando to the city of DeLand, It’s what one might describe as a quaint, small town with a historic city center filled with local shops and quiet parks It was there. One morning I had the good fortune to stumble upon Paul Hunter’s restaurant Family owned since 1949. It was your typical small town diner with friendly staff and simple décor.
But piping hot coffee and where I would have the best home cooked breakfast I ever ate Why am I telling you this? On May 15th, Hunter’s Restaurant announced they were closing for good. After 73 years in downtown DeLand, like so many others who were lucky to happen upon this central Florida treasure, I am sad that this venerable local restaurant will be only a memory.
On Sunday, May 29th, Hunter’s Restaurant will close its doors for the last time If you have the chance, make the short trip to DeLand to visit Hunter’s Restaurant. Enjoy a great home cooked meal. Leave a large tip to the waitresses who are losing their jobs and tell them the Orlando guy sent you. It’s another reminder to never take for granted the things we love the most and cherish them while they are still around because one day, they will be gone.
