The Orlando Magic rep The City Beautiful on the court at the Kia Center, and increasingly, so does the expansive menu fans are enjoying courtside -- as well as guests showing up for concerts, conventions and the rest of the programming it hosts.
It began in 2021, when the Magic -- along with Orlando Venues and their food and beverage partner, Levy -- decided to highlight local restaurants and give visitors a taste of the city's exploding food scene.
This season, five new local restaurants representing the city's diverse culinary scene join returning favorites in serving guests across the main concourse in multiple concession stands and portables. Guests can identify these menus by looking for "Certified Local" icons and signage on the concourse and menus.
"Orlando has a thriving, diverse culinary community all on its own," said Chad-Jan Neuman, senior executive chef for Levy at Kia Center. "We're celebrating the community in multiple new ways inside the arena, from curated menus in concessions to local products in our markets, pop-up appearances from popular local chefs, and signature offerings crafted right here by our own local culinary team. We're bringing the best of Orlando together under one roof at Kia Center."
Among Orlando Market's newest additions is The Nauti Lobstah, which recently signed on to bring its brand of New England seafood, from lobster rolls to chowder to Aunt Peggy's Wicked Whoopie Pies, a family favorite from chef/owner Mike Rumplik. Fans will find them near Section 104 on the Terrace Level.
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"We're so excited to share The Nauti Lobstah experience with those visiting the Kia Center," said co-owner Cara Rumplik. "We look forward to meeting new guests in our community and sharing our New England hospitality."
Locals in the know will be on the lookout for their favorites -- along with others, including the Michelin Guide-recognized goodies from Black Rooster Taqueria (Section 114), the creamy delights of Kelly's Homemade Ice Cream (Section 231) and bowls from JJ's Fresh From Scratch (Section 104) -- but the program was also conceived with visitors in mind. It has expanded considerably in the four years since.
Winter Garden's own Crooked Can Brewing Company is a brand-new partner, and both brewery and venue are thrilled to announce not only a roster of newly available Crooked Can favorites but an all-new and exclusive addition.
Sixth Man Lager, with its pinstriped Magic-branded can, will be available at Kia Center all season long.
"We're really excited because it's the first time that there's been a hyper-local product speaking directly to Magic fans," Crooked Can managing partner Alan Delahunt told the Orlando Sentinel.
Fans will find their pours at a new Crooked Can-branded bar on the club level, as well as a mobile cart near Section 112, Tavern on Church and in the premium clubs and suites.
Sixth Man, he says, is a perfect beer to sit back with while watching a game.
"A lot of people, when they think of craft beer, they go straight to IPAs and some of the craftier styles," says Delahunt, but lagers appeal to a much wider audience.
"With Sixth Man, our brew masters have developed a beer using American corn, hops and barley. It's very sessionable, designed to be a beer you can chill out and have a nice handful of. It's a porch rocker, a patio pounder, whatever you want to call it. And it goes perfectly with all the game-day snacks."
Other new options in the Orlando Market lineup include Domi Italian Ice (Section 104) and Pattie Lou's Donuts (Section 116). Hometown favorites Gringos Locos, a partner since 2009, are on hand, as well, in Section 102.
"Because Orlando is increasingly recognized for its foodie culture and distinct flavors, we're elevating the Kia Center guest experience to reflect many of the in-demand local restaurants and beverage vendors that help make this city so exciting," said Orlando Venues chief venues officer Allen Johnson. "We're grateful for the opportunity to introduce countless guests to our amazing homegrown talent while also providing invaluable exposure to these local partners throughout the year."