- April 24, 2024
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La's Bistro owner Carlos Soldevilla will only feature Florida-based liquors in his Florida Bar (Photos by Emily Blackwood).
The restaurant will be open until 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
Florida pride is on display at La's Bistro's new bar.
Featuring liquors made only in state, owner Carlos Soldevilla said he wanted his Florida Bar to give more attention to local businesses rather than big, national brands.
"A lot of bars and restuarants have these liquors, but no one ever orders them," he said. "I could easily get some cases of Bud Light, but they're not going anywhere. It's the local companies that will really be impacted if I order a case of their liquor instead of just one bottle."
With the goal of being a truly local bar, Soldevilla said they help patrons find local liquors that most closely match their favorite bigger brands. He also hopes to soon have drafts from local brewers.
"I haven't had to twist anyone's arm to get them to try something," he said. "It's something different. We're trying to do it our own way."
With the bar being open, La's Bistro has also extended their hours. Rather than opening for dinner on the final weekend of every month, the resturant is now open until 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.
In the nine months since they moved to their new location, 439 S. Nova Road, they've doubled their staff, increased their inventory, added live music and painters on the weekends and gained incredible support from the local community.
"Without them, we wouldn't have been able to do it," Soldevilla said. "The last nine months have been quite a ride."
