Marked by an outpouring of local support, Kappy's Subs, a Maitland culinary landmark, is set to usher in a new chapter on September 23. The community rallied behind the business after a public announcement on September 9 indicated a looming shutdown attributed to leasing disputes. Subsequently, according to ClickOrlando, a new lease deal was orchestrated, allowing the nearly-57-year-old diner to remain operational. On their Facebook page, the owners of Kappy's expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you all for your support. We truly could not have saved Kappy’s without the love of our community."
As the restaurant neared its possible closing, many people lined up outside to get one last taste of nostalgia. The eatery, renowned for its cheesesteaks, hot dogs, milkshakes, and more, drew fans across Central Florida. In a heartfelt appreciation of the community's response, Kappy's owners claimed this surge of support heartened the new property owner to reconsider, ultimately granting the beloved sub shop a renewed lease on life, WESH reported.
The initial announcement revealed a fracture in the negotiations to extend the lease for Kappy's Subs, which has served the community for over five decades. Executive chef Adam Milsom conveyed the weight of the moment when the closure seemed inevitable. "It has been an absolute honor for me and my family to serve this community for the past 52 years. We deeply appreciate everyone who has walked through our doors throughout our time in service and will miss being able to feed y'all every day," Milsom stated in a Facebook post, as detailed by WESH.
Regulars and newcomers alike flocked to the diner, with patron Brad Downing reminiscing, "I've been coming to Kappy's since I was probably 5 years old. I would sit down there with my dad after sports practice. It's just a Maitland establishment. We hate to see it go," he said in a statement, per WESH. The diner, nestled at the confluence of Sybelia Avenue and North Orlando Avenue, stands as a place for food and a locale of memory and identity for the Maitland community.
