PHOTO OF WALTERS TAVERN OWNERS COURTESY OF DR PHILLIPS CHARITIES
Dr. Phillips Charities has announced that Pine Street Hospitality, the team behind several popular downtown Orlando nightlife venues, will open a new concept called Walter’s Tavern (Website) inside the historic Great Southern Box Company Food Hall and Bar (Website) in The Packing District, at 2105 N Orange Blossom Trail [GMap]. The 3,800 SF venue is expected to open in October or November of this year.
Pine Street Hospitality is led by Scott Kotroba and Matty Bullitt, whose group has operated venues like Bullitt Bar, McQueens Social Lounge, Sessions Lounge, Basement, Attic, and Papi Smash’d Burgers, and this will be one of their first ventures out of the downtown bubble.
Walter’s Tavern takes its name from Walter Simmons Phillips, the youngest son of citrus pioneer Dr. P. Phillips, known for his love of aviation, fabulous boots, and the outdoors. The bar will feature craft cocktails, elevated sports viewing, live entertainment, and access to 11 food vendors within the Great Southern Box Company Food Hall.
Zack Zeisloft, a longtime member of the Pine Street team with experience at RusTeak Wine Bar and Hard Rock International, will serve as general manager. “This venue is more than just a bar,” Zeisloft said. “It’s about creating an atmosphere where people feel at home, whether they’re here for the big game, a night out, or just a great drink.”
Ken Robinson, CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities, said the group was selected for its proven ability to operate high-quality venues that align with the district’s mission. “We searched for a team that could run this venue at the highest level while maintaining our vision and values,” Robinson said. “We’re confident we picked the right group.”
The Great Southern Box Company building, originally constructed in the 1930s to manufacture wooden citrus crates, was redeveloped in 2024 as part of the Packing District’s 202-acre master plan. The adaptive reuse preserved the building’s original barrel ceiling and added a modern food hall, event space, and 28,000 SF outdoor patio.
“Expanding into The Packing District feels like the next evolution for us,” said Kotroba. “We love the history of this area and the vision behind creating a place that offers entertainment for the whole family.” Bullitt added, “This is something I’m proud my son can experience and be part of; it represents where Orlando is heading.”
