Bongos in Disney Springs to close and Estefan Kitchen joining Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando

We shared gossip earlier this week that Bongos Cuban Cafe in Disney Springs might be closing, today that news was confirmed by Gloria Estefan at a special media event in Orlando that after 22 years Bongos will be leaving Disney Springs.

Both Disney and Bongos are growing in different directions, Estefan said when she talked about the exciting addition that is happening at the Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando.

Here is the official word:

Encore Capital Management, owner and developer of Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, today announced the addition of Estefan Kitchen to its star-studded lineup of dining & entertainment options. The restaurant, nightclub and entertainment venue owned and operated by Emilio & Gloria Estefan, will be the first Estefan Kitchen location outside of Miami bringing the flavor and music of Cuba to Sunset Walk. Estefan Kitchen is targeting to open in Fall 2019. With almost 30 years in the hospitality industry, Emilio & Gloria Estefan own and operate several restaurants including Bongos Cuban Cafe, Larios On The Beach, Estefan Kitchen, Estefan Kitchen Express along with two hotels, the Cardozo on Miami’s South Beach, and Costa d’ Este Resort & Spa in Vero Beach, Florida.

The special event hosted at Sunset Walk dazzled media and special guests, in true Estefan fashion, as the introduction of the restaurant began with a welcome and remarks from Art Falcone, co-founder and managing principal of Encore Capital Management, the developer of Sunset Walk. During his speech, a multitude of dancers and percussionists launched a Conga-inspired flash mob. Once the dancers had taken their places, a curtain was dramatically lowered to reveal the building’s façade, Estefan Kitchen crest, restaurant renderings and the stars of the show – International Superstars and 26 time Grammy Award winning artists Emilio & Gloria Estefan.

“Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Orlando has been a dream and a concept for so long, it’s truly satisfying to see it develop a heartbeat all its own,” said Art Falcone, co-founder and managing principal of Encore Capital Management.

“After being in the marketplace for over 22 years, and having provided employment for thousands of people, Orlando is like an extension of our family and we are honored to partner with Art and his development team to debut Estefan Kitchen Orlando here at the gorgeous Sunset Walk at Margaritaville Resort. Not only will we offer authentic Cuban food at its finest, but we’ll also have the hottest nightclub in Orlando with state of the art sound and video technology,” added Emilio.

“Estefan Kitchen at Sunset Walk will be our fifth full-service restaurant that will reflect the casual elegance of our Miami Design District location but with a style and soul of its own,” said Gloria. “Our menu, cocktails, music and vibe will offer a re-imagined taste of our culture to Central Florida and all of it’s national and international visitors. We are truly excited to open our doors this fall.”

Voted by CNN Travel as one of the Top 20 Restaurants in Miami, FL, Estefan Kitchen joins a growing list of new additions and announcements to the lineup of options at Sunset Walk, a short walk from Margaritaville Hotel Orlando and the soon-to-open Island H2O Live! water park, and the recently opened Studio Movie Grill.

Locations now open include Bahama Buck’s, a tropical escape for shaved ice, drinks and “frostalattes;” Florida favorite, Bento Asian Kitchen & Sushi, featuring authentic sushi, rice and noodle bowls, bento boxes, poke bowls and Boba teas; Burger Fi, the go-to burger restaurant for good times and great food with more than 100 locations across the U.S.;Ford’s Garage known for American comfort food and craft beer and an old-timey vibe, designed to feel like a 1920s service station; IT’SUGAR, a modern-day candy store with hundreds of different candy confections to please every sweet tooth; Rock & Brews, which seamlessly combines rock ‘n’ roll music, an affinity for craft beer and a desire for classic comfort food; SiriusXM’s Radio Margaritaville, where tropical tunes stream live all day long! Visitors may pop into the Parrot Perch to meet special guests and DJ JD Spradlin; andSkechers offering athletic, casual and fashionable footwear lines for every age and taste.

Names coming soon to Sunset Walk include B.B.’s World Famous BBQ, featuring a wide selection of classic BBQ and house-made sides; Chicago-based El Jefe Tequilas Cocina + Cantina, specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine regularly stocking 200 different varieties of tequila; Cold Stone Creamery with its selection of ice cream and cakes; Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza offering a mix of traditional and specialty pizzas all made to order in 800-degree coal fired ovens, as well as an extensive menu of pasta and sandwiches; Café D’Avignon, a New York-based restaurant known for its fresh made breads and pastries; GameTime, a place for the whole family offering fun indoor amusement with something for all ages; Don’t 4 Get About Me, a one-stop-shop for the perfect gift for your furry friend, grand-pet, or pet sitter; Legends Cigar Company, providing a wide array of premium blended cigars implementing old world techniques handed down for generations; Avalon Nails & Spa, relax with luxurious nail, skin and spa services to look and feel your best; U.S. Gift Factory, your one-stop-shop for the latest trends and go-to-place for rare gifts; City Fashion, offering brand name, on-trend apparel for the discerning customer; Lafayette’s Fish House and Music Hall, equal parts live music venue, restaurant, bar and party venue; Paradise Spirits carrying a wide selection of premium beer, wine and spirits; andYeoman’s Cask & Lion, a British-themed pub and eatery, dishing out British staples such as bangers and mash, fish and chips, and Shepherd’s pie.

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