Something old, something new

1881 part of restaurant scene in historic Kissimmee locale 

  • The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON
    The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON
  • The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON
    The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. The lineage of the historical Makinson’s Hardware Store remains alive at 1881 Restaurant and wine bar, part of a “Restaurant Row” on downtown Kissimmee’s Broadway. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

    While the historic Makinson’s Hardware on Broadway in downtown Kissimmee is no longer a place to buy building supplies or tools — you can still get a screwdriver there.

    The historic familyowned store closed in 2021, and its revival as an eatery and mixed-use locale became official at an opening party Friday.

    1881 Restaurant is one part of the parcel that includes the Breeze bar on Dakin Street, and retail outlets in toward the back — a barber shop and hair stylist, tattoo parlor, financial services center and swimwear and sportswear store.

    1881 has a traditional bar and restaurant, with a covered patio area completed last year. It is connected to a higherend wine bar, and the new Dubai restaurant serving up Mediterranean fare.

    All through the restaurant, patrons find photos and other memorabilia from the building’s Makinson business history.

    Ray and Zach Parsons own the parcel. During construction, the old façade was restored, harkening back to a time when Makinson’s Hardware was a downtown economic cornerstone.

    “The building has a 150-year history, thanks to the Makinsons, and we worked to preserve it,” Zach Parsons said.

    John Makinson, one of the last members of the family to work in the hardware store, said he’s at ease with what Parsons’ team has turned it into.

    “We knew we had to let it go,” he said Friday. “But it’s been easier after seeing Ray’s vision, and how he’s kept the downhome feel while bringing in something new.”

    The opening of this new spot now creates a nearly continuous eatery district for three blocks along downtown Kissimmee. The left (south or east) side features 1881, Queens and King, 3 Sisters Speakeasy, Carinos Café, Matador, Kissimmee Diner, Diane’s Tea Room, the new Soul Tapas Bar and Main Street Pizza. The right side includes Broadway Pizza Bar, Neptuno’s, The Italian Joint, Buchito, Pa Pikar and La Ro Café. Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory sits two blocks to the north.