The long-idle Hoods Up building in the Milk District is finally getting pulled out of neutral. Local restaurateurs, Good Salt Restaurant Group, are teaming up with downtown developer Ustler Development to turn the former auto shop at 2400 E. Robinson St. into a full-service restaurant, keeping the recognizable façade while adding a fresh dining anchor to the busy Bumby and Robinson corner.
Plans and partners
According to the Orlando Business Journal, Good Salt and Ustler are pursuing an adaptive reuse of the Hoods Up site, backed by concept art submitted to the city that shows a revamped exterior for a restaurant at 2400 E. Robinson St. The coverage attributes the filing and renderings to the City of Orlando and points to a shift from long-term vacancy to a neighborhood dining draw.
Who’s behind the restaurant
Good Salt is led by Jason and Sue Chin, whose portfolio includes Seito Sushi, The Osprey, Reyes Mezcaleria, The Monroe, and Sparrow Wine Bar. As outlined by the Good Salt Restaurant Group, the team has earned James Beard recognition and built a reputation for neighborhood-focused concepts across Orlando.
Developer's track record
On its projects page, the Hoods Up site appears as an adaptive reuse of a former auto repair shop into what is described as a signature full-service restaurant. The Ustler Group of Companies notes that it acquired the property in October 2024 and expects renovation activity to begin in 2026 as part of its broader downtown infill strategy.
What might open there
Local reporting has tied the project to a Korean-style pocha concept reportedly called “Paper Kites,” a direction that would connect with the Chins’ heritage and the Milk District’s late-night energy. Orlando Weekly reports that sources are eyeing a late-2026 opening, although developers have not set a firm public date.
Zoning and permits
The buyer previously sought a variance to allow 10 on-site parking spaces, a notable request given the property’s compact corner footprint. WFTV coverage and local real estate notices tracked the parking filings and the property’s for-sale history.
Why it matters for the Milk District
The Milk District has steadily grown into a grassroots dining corridor, blending longtime staples with newer, concept-driven operators. A careful reuse of Hoods Up could serve as a case study in small-scale preservation and neighborhood-centered growth in the area, as described by Orlando Magazine.
Next steps
Design review, permit approvals, and construction timelines will ultimately dictate when diners can book a table, with Ustler’s project listing and local reporting pointing to renovation work in 2026 and a potential late-2026 service launch. In the meantime, neighbors and curious food fans will want to keep an eye on upcoming city filings and BZA agendas for key dates and chances to weigh in.
