Eola General to open by the end of the month

Eola General (Facebook | Instagram), the new indie corner store concept taking over the former Handy Pantry space, will finally open by the end of February.

Co-owners of the space, Shaun Noonan of Dixie Dharma and Sean Kelley of Henry’s Depot in Sanford, told Bungalower that besides some finishing touches they’re really just waiting for the green light from City Hall that they can sell liquor.

The historic building is a rare find in Orlando; built in 1937 it’s zoned for use as a general store in a historic residential neighborhood. Since taking possession, the owners have been painstakingly renovating it to reveal features that had all but vanished with previous tenant build-outs, including original windows, wood rafters, and more.

“We spent more time on the build-out then we originally expected because we wanted to get it right.”

– Sean Kelley

The space will feature a curated assortment of local dry and cold goods including cheeses via La Femme du Fromage, wines selected by Matt Uva of upcoming Curate in the Milk District and Quantum Leap Winery, beverages from the Juice Bar and Wavelength Coffee, and food by Grain and Ember and Dixie Dharma.

Local makers and artisans who would like to sell their wares at Eola General are encouraged to reach out to the owners via their social sites, listed above.

Eola General located at 522 E. Amelia Street [GMap] in the heart of the Lake Eola Heights neighborhood.