Passing by the multitude of outlets and bars on the Lake Ivanhoe hall might depart some perplexed at the place to start out. From Swanson’s Ivanhoe Row to M-Bar, this part of Orange Avenue accommodates some true hidden gems. One neighborhood favourite: the White Wolf Cafe. The White Wolf Cafe celebrates 30 years in enterprise this 12 months and, regardless of the pandemic, continues to attract in regulars and new diners alike.
The enduring ambiance of the restaurant enchants guests from their first step into the door, with the institution’s meld of vintage furnishings and upbeat persona. Initially based in 1991 by Michael Hennessey as an antiques retailer, the store took its identify from Hennessey’s loyal canine Casper, a white German Shepherd and customary fixture within the early years of the White Wolf. His ardour for antiques led him to open the enterprise. Michael started his store’s transformation inadvertently after promoting ice cream and snacks for purchasers (he additionally occurred to be one of many first dispensers of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream). Quickly, different gadgets like salads and sandwiches have been added to the menu. Within the early 1990’s, Hennessey met his spouse, Anne Marie.
The couple operates the restaurant as a group. Although the standard and one-of-a-kind atmosphere stay the identical, the White Wolf’s structure has modified over time. Additions over time embrace the restaurant’s well-known bar created from an outdated financial institution constructing, in addition to the partitions of Orlando’s outdated metropolis corridor (detonated in Deadly Weapon 3), at present used as desk tops. Although Michael’s ingenuity has him wanting towards the long run, he all the time retains one foot up to now. The shop’s transition from vintage market to restaurant by no means completely got here full circle, as lots of the decorations, lights and footage stay on sale as we speak. Whether or not you are shopping for a Tiffany Lamp, or simply their well-known rooster sandwich, your money and time can be effectively spent on the White Wolf Cafe.
Above: Michael Hennessey along with his loyal “wolf” Casper.
Beneath: The constructing previous to the White Wolf Cafe.
