Hamburger Mary's to open Kissimmee location this May

The LGBTQ-owned restaurant chain is returning to the Orlando area after closing its downtown location in 2024.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:54pm

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Hamburger Mary's, a popular LGBTQ-owned restaurant chain known for its drag brunches and flamboyant diner vibe, announced it will be opening a new location in Kissimmee's Old Town District in mid-May 2026. The restaurant closed its longtime downtown Orlando spot in 2024 but is now returning to the area, taking over the former Shoney's Restaurant space with a seating capacity of up to 249 people.

Why it matters

Hamburger Mary's has a strong following in the LGBTQ+ community and previously made headlines in 2023 for successfully suing the Florida government over a law aiming to restrict drag performances in the presence of minors. The new Kissimmee location will bring back the restaurant's popular entertainment, food, and service to the Orlando area.

The details

The new Kissimmee Hamburger Mary's location will be opening in the former Shoney's Restaurant space in the Old Town District, just off U.S. 192. The space will have a seating capacity of up to 249 people with 'plenty of room for large groups.' In addition to its standard American bar and grill fare, the restaurant is known for its flamboyant diner vibe, drag brunches, and other entertainment like trivia and bingo.

  • Hamburger Mary's first teased the new Kissimmee location more than a year ago.
  • The restaurant closed its longtime downtown Orlando location in May 2024.
  • Hamburger Mary's announced the new Kissimmee opening on March 13, 2026.
  • The new Kissimmee location is planned to open in mid-May 2026.

The players

Hamburger Mary's

A national chain of LGBTQ-owned restaurants known for its flamboyant diner vibe, drag brunches, and other entertainment.

John Paonessa

Co-owner of Hamburger Mary's who successfully sued the Florida government in 2023 over a law aiming to restrict drag performances in the presence of minors.

Mike Carpenter

Co-owner of Hamburger Mary's who announced the new Kissimmee location opening.

Thearon Scurlock

Vice president and general manager of the Old Town Entertainment District, who welcomed Hamburger Mary's to the area.

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What they’re saying

“We are so excited, but we have work to do before we get open, to turn a Shoney's into a colorful and vibrant new Hamburger Mary's location that we know you will love.”

— John Paonessa and Mike Carpenter, Restaurant owners (Facebook)

“This bill has nothing to do with children, and everything to do with the continued oppression of the LGBTQ+ community.”

— John Paonessa (Facebook)

“We are very excited to welcome Hamburger Mary's to the Old Town family. Their famous food, service and entertainment is truly a one-of-a- kind experience and one that we know our visitors will absolutely love.”

— Thearon Scurlock, Vice president and general manager of the Old Town Entertainment District (Statement)

What’s next

Hamburger Mary's plans to open the new Kissimmee location in mid-May 2026.

The takeaway

Hamburger Mary's return to the Orlando area is a win for the LGBTQ+ community, as the restaurant chain has a strong following and is known for challenging oppressive legislation. The new Kissimmee location will bring back the restaurant's unique blend of food, entertainment, and community spirit to the region.