OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As Ocala’s presence continues to expand, there is new demand growing among the residents. Luckily, that demand is being met with incoming shops, restaurants, markets and more. Here are the top picks of incoming shops for Ocala.
1. Kilwins
Kilwins is a fudge, ice cream and confections shop established in 1947, making sweets and goods. Although their highly regarded fudge has made its way across the U.S. and into Florida, it hasn’t established a place in Ocala. That is until their reveal at Market Street at Heath Brook. Although it wasn’t a grand unveiling, 4414 block of SW College Road has a poster reading, “Coming Soon,” while advertising chocolate, fudge and ice cream. There’s no official opening date for Kilwins, but Ocala will have their own fan-favorite confections.
Kilwins does not have an official set date for opening.
2. Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant
There’s a new captain in town to unveil the grand opening of Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant on 2510 SW 27th Ave #101. Captain D’s Seafood Restaurant, first established in 1969, has a new location coming to Ocala. There are a few locations in surrounding cities throughout Florida, however, this is the first Ocala location for the casual place for fast fish delight. They recently held two hiring events to find employees for the new location.
Captain D’s is set to have their grand opening on Sept. 2 at 10 a.m.
3. Paddock Market
After the former Sears location in Paddock Mall was bought by BSD Capital, a new Paddock Market place was announced to be coming to the Paddock Mall. Construction began in April 2024 with a predicted opening date of October 2024. Although Paddock Mall and Paddock Market have not released any new statements since the original expected date, Paddock Market is still under steady construction and continues with new advancements to its interior and exterior designs.
The inside is filled with rows of divided vendor spaces, with glass walls dividing each merchant unit. The exterior now has a newer look with white horses on either side of the outer entrance, rearing toward each other with metal overhangs along the sidewalks leading up to the entrance.
Paddock Market does not have an official set date for opening, though it is predicted to open in Summer 2025.
4. Chicken Guy
Chicken Guy is a well-known chain restaurant owned by celebrity chef, Guy Fieri. It’s a relatively new establishment with the first restaurant opening in 2018. Since then, the fried chicken has left the fryer, now expanding from Orlando to Ocala. The new location is currently in development in the 2600 SW 19th Avenue Road Walmart Supercenter with a wall facade and logo at the top.
Chicken Guy doesn’t have an official opening date, though it’s predicted to open in 2025.
5. Miller’s Ale House
After receiving approval for construction, Miller’s Ale House began construction in late 2024 in Southwest Ocala on West State Road 200 near Market Street at Heath Brook and next to Culvers. Most of the foundation at the current construction site is standing with rapid production. Although there is another location in Churchill Square, the second location will provide an optimal alternative for residents further West who want to partake in the variety of foods they have to offer.
With rapid progress, Miller’s Ale House is expected to open in late 2025. Miller’s Ale House is building a second location in Ocala further West than its first location on State Road 200. It’s expected to open in late 2025.
6. Koto Express
What was formerly Burger King is now under construction to make a place for Koto Express. With the rise in popularity of bubble tea, hibachi and ramen, State Road 200 is making room to meet demands. Koto Express is a hibachi and bubble tea restaurant currently being constructed at 3811 SW College Road. Koto Express is one of the few installments residents are ready for.
Koto Express is set to open in late 2025.
