Easy Street is about to get a little smokier. Martin's BBQ, the Puerto Rican rotisserie chain, is closing in on the opening of its new southwest Ocala spot, with construction crews finishing interior walls and fresh signage signaling that the long-awaited restaurant could be only weeks away.
According to Ocala-News, the new Martin’s is under construction at 2601 SW 19th Avenue Road on the former site of The Gathering Cafe. The previous building was demolished in late 2023 to clear the way for the new structure. Photos published with the outlet’s report show interior work still underway, and there is still no official opening date on the books.
Martin’s traces its roots to Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and the chain says it was founded in 1962 with a menu built around rotisserie chicken and traditional Puerto Rican flavors.
What to Expect on the Menu
Local reporting points to a lineup centered on asado-style rotisserie chicken and so-called "wand ribs," backed up by more than a dozen sides and accompaniments. Dishes like arroz con gandules, maduros, yuca, and mofongo are listed among typical offerings, suggesting a straightforward Puerto Rican comfort-food spread rather than an American smokehouse-style barbecue setup, according to Ocala-News.
Where It Fits in the Florida Footprint
Once the doors open, the Ocala restaurant will join a small but growing Florida presence for the brand. Martin’s already operates locations in Kissimmee and Tampa, according to local tourism listings. For more on its existing Sunshine State spots, see the chain profile on Experience Kissimmee.
Easy Street’s Recent Restaurant Surge
The new Martin’s is landing on a stretch of SW 19th Avenue that has quietly become a mini dining corridor in recent years. Nearby openings and listings include Kluck Chicken and Big Lee’s, underscoring the area’s steady turnover and expanding roster of options for southwest Ocala residents.
For now, Martin’s is one more sign that Easy Street is evolving into a busy local dining strip. This story will be updated once the Ocala location announces an official opening date or releases a menu preview.
