Stella’s Modern Pantry at 20 SW Broadway St. has been a downtown Ocala icon for close to 20 years.
The popular eatery, shop and hangout is saying goodbye to the area, with its last day being June 20. Not to worry, though. As one door closes, another opens The business’ owners, Stacey Atsides and Albert Barrett, are moving to a different location.
Here’s what we know:
How long has Stella’s been at the downtown location? 18 years, says a smiling Atsides.
What’s the origin of the name? It was the nickname Atsides used for her late mother.
“My mother was my life,” Astides said, adding they lived next to each other. The store name is an homage to her mother, she said.
Atsides said she’s a third generation Greek American, and the family has been in the restaurant supply business since 1962 when they were in Daytona Beach. She said her grandfather saw Marion County as a community with potential growth and decided to move to the area in 1987.
Tom Atsides Restaurant Supplies at 3102 W. Silver Springs Blvd. is the family’s other business, she said.
Barrett, from Jamaica, is a professionally trained pastry chef who previously worked at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club and the Ritz Carlton for many years.
More about Stella’s Modern Pantry: It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aside from food and pastries, customers can purchase gits and unique boutique wines. Takeout orders ae welcome.
Atsides said “100% of the food is homemade,” and “everything is made in house.”
“Business is good,” she said.
She said when they announced they were relocating, she received more than 100,000 views and likes on her Facebook page. That, she said, makes her and her staff feel like 18 years in the community has been worth it.
“It’s hard work,” she said.
How many people work at Stella’s? Including the co-owners, there are six employees at Stella’s Modern Pantry. Everyone is moving to the new location, the address of which Atsides said will be revealed soon.
Why leave the current location? Atsides said it’s no longer optimal from a financial perspective.
What will you miss about downtown? The community, Atsides said. She also said she’ll miss the downtown customers and other businesses in the area that they adore.
Despite the move, she said, “change is good,” and they’re really invigorated to make the next location just as fabulous.”
On a recent day when a Star-Banner reporter visited Stella’s Modern Pantry, Neali Head and her 1-year-old son, Banks, were inside eating brunch.
Head said she’s a frequent visitor and loyal customer.
The mother said she comes to the business with her family and friends.
“It’s the best place. It’s like home,” she said.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: The iconic Stella’s Modern Pantry is moving from its downtown location
Reporting by Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner / Ocala Star-Banner
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Austin L. Miller, Ocala Star-Banner | USA TODAY Network
