ORLANDO, Fla. – Even though several businesses on Church Street have closed recently the owners of Mojo's Cajun Bar and Grill believe the property has potential- they just need to change their concept which is what they are doing.
Mojo's opened two years ago, but now owners have admitted the Cajun concept of New Orleans has not been a success.
"In downtown Orlando we have different taste buds. That's why we think it didn't go over well," Kevin O'Donnell, who with several partners owns Harry Buffalo restaurants, said Tuesday.
Mojo's shut down Monday night and will now be transformed into a casual sports bar chain called the Harry Buffalo.
"I would definitely be open to trying it out," Doug George said Tuesday. George lives and plays downtown and though he's never been to Mojo's he says he plans to visit the new sports bar once it opens at the end of the month.
"I think it will do well. It gives diversity to the area and possibly another option that you can visit," George said
O'Donnell said the franchise will be similar to the Frank and Stein's pub a few blocks away on Church St. O'Donnell also owns the restaurant and says the sports bar theme has become more and more successful.
O'Donnell says the Mojo's property is still the prime spot for Amway games and events and hopes the change in concept brings in the fans.
"This is something for everyone. Hopefully we are the stop on the way in and the stop on the way out," O'Donnell said.
Owners will be hiring an additional 75 positions to cater to the longer hours. Harry Buffalo will stay open until 2 a.m.
Harry Buffalo sports bars opened in Cleveland, Ohio and have been thriving there. This will be the first restaurant to open in Florida and Local 6 has been told more will be opening soon throughout the state.