Foodie News: What’s Happening in Orlando Restaurants

Get all the details about a special local restaurant partnership, a milestone anniversary celebration and where to find the best bagels in Southwest Orlando.

Local Restaurant Partnership Gives Back

In the spirit of philanthropy, PDQ and 4 Rivers Smokehouse have partnered on a BBQ-inspired sandwich that will give back this summer. Sales of this limited-time sandwich will benefit 4Roots, a nonprofit dedicated to building a better food future in Orlando.
The 4 Rivers BBQ Sandwich ($6.99) features PDQ’s crispy chicken breast dipped in a blend of 4 Rivers signature and mustard BBQ sauces and served on a toasted potato bun with guacamole, red cabbage and pepper jack cheese. It will be available at PDQ’s Florida restaurants, including the Altamonte Springs, Hunter’s Creek, Lake Nona, Sanford, SODO, Waterford and Winter Park locations locally, from now through Aug. 2.
“We are thrilled to partner with PDQ on the 4 Rivers BBQ sandwich in support of 4Roots,”says John Rivers, founder of the 4 Rivers brand and The 4R Foundation. “Each of our concepts are founded on shared beliefs – we value giving back to others through charitable endeavors and pride ourselves on offering quality food to those we serve. The partnership is a natural fit and we are excited to spread the word about dining with purpose.”

Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster Celebrates Anniversary with Donation

Over the past 28 years, the family behind Christner’s Prime Steak & Lobster has not only created special memories for those who have dined with them, but they have also supported local charities. From sponsorship to board membership, the Christners believe that communities are only as strong as one builds them.
On June 11, they celebrated the restaurant’s anniversary with a fundraising dinner in which 100% of guests’ dining proceeds were donated to Aspire Health Partners. Over ??, was raised to support the organization’s work, which includes prevention, intervention and treatment services for individuals with mental health and correlating disorders throughout Central Florida.
Owner Alice Christner says, “We are truly honored by numerous awards and accolades over the years and cherish them as much as the friendships and memories we have created and the opportunity to help others.”

Living the Bagel Dream

What started as an idea in August of 2019 for Jeff’s Bagel Run owners, Jeff and Danielle Perera, turned into a full-blown business during the pandemic. The concept was simple: bake bagels that are as good, if not better, than those found in New York.
Through trial and error, they developed a bagel with a chewy exterior and soft, doughy center. Bagel drops were made in their online store every Sunday evening for orders on select days during the week and Jeff would fulfill the orders in the kitchen of the couple’s Winter Garden home. They sold out more often than not.
Now, the Pereras are preparing to fulfill the original bagel dream by opening a brick and mortar location in Ocoee this summer, making it easier for Orlando residents to get their hands on the goods. Jeff’s Bagel Run will be located near the corner of Maguire and Old Winter Garden Roads.