Hammered Lamb owner buys into Thornton Park restaurant

Jason Lambert, owner/operator of The Hammered Lamb (Instagram | Website) in Ivanhoe Village has bought out one of the partners at The 808 (Instagram | Website) in Thornton Park and is bringing a new concept to the former Publix storefront.

Wendy Connor, an original partner in The 808 and owner of The Abbey (Instagram | Website), is remaining as co-owner of the new Jack and Honey’s diner concept which will replace The 808 Hawaiian eatery/bar later this month.

“When Jason came to me with the concept of opening an elevated diner in the space, I knew that it would be a great addition to the neighborhood. Our building is an icon in Thornton Park,  and I’m thrilled to partner with Jason to bring Jack & Honey’s to life.” 

– WENDY CONNOR, CO-OWNER

The concept, which is named in honor of Lambert’s grandparents, will feature New American-style food, craft cocktails, and all-day brunch. The team has hired on Hannah Wicker as the executive chef. Wicker has over 18 years of restaurant experience, most of which was spent in the theme parks, including Victoria and Albert’s and Lombard’s Seafood Grille.

Longtime Bungalower readers may recognize the name from a previous story published in 2018, where we reported that Lambert was looking to open a 24-hour diner of the same name in his current offices adjacent to the Hammered Lamb at 1235 N. Orange Avenue [GMap].

“I’ve been searching for the perfect spot for Jack & Honey’s – Washington Street has become a hot spot  in downtown Orlando so when this opportunity came available, I knew it was the ideal location.”

– JASON LAMBERT, CO-OWNER

Additionally, Lambert shared that his first job was at Dexter’s Thornton Park, in the same building, back in 1998.

An official grand opening date is yet to be scheduled but the space is expected to soft-open for two Come Out With Pride events on October 20 and 21 that were booked before the ownership swap.

Following those two events, Jack and Honey’s is expected to be in a soft-open phase by Halloween, albeit with a limited menu, in time for the 10th Annual Thornton Park Halloween Block Party – which Bungalower Buddy members can access for the early bird price of $10 with their Bungalower Buddy Keychain the day of the event.