Siblings Jay and Mary Alysson Pettigrew were twenty-something entrepreneurs passionate about food. Their first venture was running a typical high-volume supermarket owned by their parents (Jerry and Rosemary) in St. Cloud. They sold that market around 1976 when a buyer...
Business
Petty’s Market of Longwood
Smiths Island in Lake Apopka is named for Snapper lawnmower inventor
Lake Apopka is Florida's fourth-largest lake. It was once home to some of the best fishing anywhere. However, by 1970, it became the state's most polluted. Phosphates and pesticides from agriculture in the north and runoff and sewerage spills from...
Kappy’s Subs in Maitland is a Step Back in Time
During the Great Depression, restaurant owners began to use retired train cars as micro-cafes. These cars were only big enough for a grill top and two staff members. A long bar with stools was the only seating. This became the...
Origins of the Sonny’s and Fat Boys BBQ chains
Who says there is no such thing as Florida barbeque? Sonny's BBQ is the largest chain in the industry, and it all started in Central Florida. Where exactly? I reckon some would say Gainesville, but that depends on how far...
LuRae Hotel in Casselberry
The Lurae Tourist Court, known today as the Lu-Rae Motel, dates back to 1951. It is located at 3400 S US Hwy 17 92 in Casselberry, Florida. A 1953 postcard boasts the motel's amenities, which included a private beach on...
Soda Factory Store in Casselberry was a lively destination in the 70s
In 1976 a combination retail store and soda bottling factory opened in Casselberry. It was called The PoP Shoppe and located in front of the Semoran Skateway at 1101 Semoran Blvd. The Casselberry factory made 16 regular and 8 diet...
Hollieanna Groves in Maitland serving customers since 1953
There aren’t many patches of Old Florida left in the busy Orlando metro area. But smack dab in the heart of Maitland’s commercial district, you’ll find this throwback: Hollieanna Groves. And boy, is it a gem! It is located on the bend in...
Old South Bar-B-Q Ranch
Weary travelers for four decades were kept awake by the funny signs and nourished by the taste of this Clewiston oasis. There aren’t many roads more desolate and monotonous than going south on US 27. Once you pass Lake Placid,...
Webb’s Citrus Candy: Central Florida Favorite since 1928
What started as two women making tropical treats for their friends was made stalwart by the Taylor and Webb families. As a kid growing up in South-Central Florida there was always great promise venturing north on US 27 toward the...
Fern Park, Florida and the Largest Industry Under One Roof
Fern cultivation gave rise to a new town with the Haines, Barnett, Casselberry and Vaughn families its royal court. Before Seminole County was created in 1913, the area that is today known as Casselberry was referred to as the Concord...