SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – If you’ve driven down U.S. 17-92 in Seminole County, you’ve probably passed Post Time Lounge and Cafe. It’s been a staple in Longwood for longer than most people can remember, but the iconic restaurant and entertainment venue will be closing its doors soon.
The general manager, Deanna Shearer, made the announcement on social media.
In a post this week she wrote, “Due to circumstances beyond my control and with a very heavy heart I unfortunately have to inform you all that Post Time Lounge Cafe and Patio will be closing November 2nd. We appreciate your continued support during this difficult time.”
News 6 visited Post Time Wednesday when the doors opened and spoke to regulars who said the lounge and cafe will be missed.
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“I just found out last night when I came for karaoke,” Becky Smith said. “I was just heartbroken.”
“It’s heartbreaking,” said another man who said he’s been coming to Post Time for at least 20 years. “It started out as, you know, as a place to come after the races.”
Brian Leone, who goes by the name “Redd,” told our team that the phone has been ringing nonstop since the announcement was made public.
“People were in disbelief and shock,” said Redd.
He told News 6 it’s been a difficult year for the business.
“We lost the owner at the beginning of this year,” said Redd. “And you know things started going all over the place.”
Redd said he first started working with Post Time as a promoter, and he even brought Cee Lo Green to perform last year.
“I had 600 people in this building, which was shoulder to shoulder. It was a great experience,” he said. “I mean, it’s definitely a historical venue at this point.”
The late owner, Mike Pinter, spent much of his life running nightlife establishments in Central Florida. He purchased Post Time in the 80’s. The bar itself has been at the corner of U.S. 17-92 and Dog Track Road for as long as anyone can remember.
“The owner, Mike Pinter, was amazing at keeping his finger on the pulse and just always keeping it entertaining with some of the best bands in the area,” said Orlando Silva.
Orlando Silva said he started working at Post Time as a karaoke host.
“DJ played here, hosted bingo,” said Silva. “It’s got that friends feel at the bar.”
Silva recalled memories of Post Time packed on a Super Bowl Sunday or for the annual Halloween party. People our News 6 crew met Wednesday said they love the bar because it feels like family, and it’s a place where everyone is welcome.
“A lot of my favorite memories I’m sitting by the fire pit and just having a chill vibe, night with my girlfriends,” said Smith. “The Halloween parties are always a blast. They always do a great costume contest.”
Through the years many people have either worked at the lounge or have memories on the dance floor, hanging out on the patio, or playing pool. People our News 6 crew spoke to Wednesday said they’re just thankful for the music and the memories.
“I found out I was going to be a grandmother here like three years ago,” said Smith. “It’s just one of those things. You just have all these amazing memories of the people.”
Catherine Silver