The Latest Openings and Upcoming Developments in Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden & Clermont


Blog Author: Jen Durben | The Funk Collection, Brokered by eXP Realty

If you've been asking what's new in Southwest Orlando in 2026, this post covers the latest restaurant openings, business arrivals, and development projects across Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Horizon West, and Clermont.

From new restaurants and coffee shops to beloved re-openings and major mixed-use developments and lifestyle additions, Southwest Orlando continues to evolve in ways that make communities like Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, and Clermont some of the most talked-about cities in Central Florida real estate.

Whether you're already a local or considering a move to the area, here's a look at some of the newest spots and up-and-coming projects shaping the area right now.


New Restaurants, Trails, and Development Coming to Windermere, FL in 2026

Ward Trail Rendering in Windermere, FLWe may be a bit partial to these Windermere updates (especially with our office being in downtown on Main Street). Here's what's coming soon (or recently opened):

  • Fresco Pizzeria, located at the corner of Main Street & East 6th Street, this Italian eatery will feature wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta.
  • CAVA - located at The Grove off Conroy Windermere Rd & S. Apopka Vineland Rd, will feature its signature Mediterranean bowls with fresh and healthy options (loving this option for lunch).
  • Seoul Bol - located in Windermere Village at the corner of 535 next to Windermere High School, this Korean bibimbap spot recently opened and serves customizable bowls with Korean flavors.
  • Ward Trail - first phase opening late summer in Windermere along Main Street & Maguire. For more information on the new trail, check out our full blog post about the Ward Trail.

If Windermere has been on your radar, The Funk Collection has dedicated community pages to help you explore neighborhoods, see available homes, recent sales, and market trends throughout the area.

>> Living in Windermere


New Restaurants and Development Projects Coming to Dr. Phillips, FL in 2026

Dr. Phillips famous Restaurant Row is known for their dining offerings, and here are some upcoming spots to keep on your list:

  • Vines by H recently reopened with a revamped menu featuring American, Mediterranean, and European flavors.
  • The Dough Show, on South Turkey Lake Road, and known for its Middle Eastern flavors, began its soft opening in late April 2026.
  • A proposed $90M development expected to bring new dining, shopping, and a structured parking addition to the area.

With exciting growth happening around Restaurant Row and beyond, Dr. Phillips continues to blend established luxury with fresh new energy. If you're thinking about making a move in Dr. Phillips, explore neighborhood insights, homes for sale, sold data, and more in our local community pages.

>> Living in Dr. Phillips


What's New in Winter Garden and Horizon West in 2026

We've talked about how much growth Horizon West and greater Winter Garden has had over the last several years. To support the housing boom, these are just a taste of the local businesses are new or coming soon:

Downtown Winter Garden Updates

  • Costa Nostra Italian DeliHarlow Grove, now officially open in downtown at the corner of S. Main Street and W. Main Street for dinner, offering a curated selection of elevated comfort food with American and European influences.
  • Eggdose, which started as a local farmers market favorite, is now opening a storefront at 12615 W Colonial Drive (US-50). For more about Eggdose, check out our experience with these delicious breakfast sandwiches.
  • Cosa Nostra Italian Deli is planning a downtown Winter Garden location in addition to their downtown Clermont location. As the name suggests, this Italian deli has a wide selection of sandwiches, charcuterie, flatbreads, and traditional desserts. (Pictured to the right is the Cosa Nostra location in downtown Clermont)

Stoneybrook Exchange (New Plaza at Windermere Road & Stoneybrook W Parkway)

  • SEO Basilico Pizzeria, a Brazilian pizzeria bringing another unique dining option to Winter Garden
  • CFS Coffee, (Grand Opening on May 28th), a Colombian coffee shop offering iced & hot drinks as well as a variety of food items, serving all day.
  • Play Street Museum, a hands-on children's museum, featuring interactive displays, kids' crafts, and children's birthday parties.

Fitness & Outdoors

  • Diadem Pickleball Complex (expected in 2027), a 25,000 square foot facility located at 14748 W. Colonial Drive
  • The expansion of Tucker Ranch Recreation & Nature Complex includes a wellness campus with over 20 acres focused on health and wellness initiatives in Winter Garden.

Horizon West Updates

  • Dutch Bros Coffee in Hamlin (construction in progress and signage has gone up in Spring 2026), known for its drive-thru coffee experience with flavored iced coffee, hot coffee, cold brews and newly released food items.
  • Swig in Hamlin (expected opening in Summer 2026), expanding rapidly in Florida is a Utah-born brand that features the infamous "dirty sodas" with unique flavor combinations.
  • Kingdom Sushi slated to open this year at The Mark Plaza at Seidel Road & Seton Creek Blvd.
  • T.J. Maxx, opened in March 2026 in Hamlin
  • There’s also an ongoing community conversation surrounding a potential Lifetime Fitness location in the area. While we don't have official confirmation, many local residents are keeping a close eye on the possibility as the land-use application was submitted in July 2025.

With so much growth happening, it's no wonder that so many people are making the move to Horizon West and beyond. If Winter Garden sounds like the right fit for your next move, explore our local community pages to compare neighborhoods, browse available homes, and review current market activity.

>> Living in Winter Garden


What's New in Clermont and Minneola in 2026

Speaking of growth, Clermont and Minneola continue to expand with new home communities and businesses to support the influx of residents. Here are just a few of the recent additions and upcoming projects happening:

  • Plaza Collina in Clermont Near Costco (Ground work started in May 2026)
    • Shake Shack, originating as a hot dog cart in New York City, now has locations across the country and is known for its burgers and shakes.
    • 7 Brew Coffee, a 2nd location for Clermont, serving coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, and shakes.
  • Magnolia Point Center (Ground work started in May 2026)
    • Potbelly Sandwich Works, featuring sandwiches, wraps, salads, and more.
    • Blended Bistro & Boba, with boba tea, small bites, pho, and seasonal menu options.
    • Fortuna Latin Bakery, offering Colombian and South American pastries and bread selections.
    • Twistee Treat, a local staple for soft-serve sweet treats. This location is the 3rd spot in Clermont.
  • Crunch Fitness (Taking Membership Reservations Now) upon reopening will replace the former Dick's Sporting Goods location on US-50
  • Bookish Cafe Orlando (Opened May 9th), located on US-27 behind Foxtail Coffee & Kelly's Ice Cream
  • Crooked Can Minneola (Expected to open Summer 2026)
    • Confirmed Vendor: Three Birds Cafe Express
    • Splash Pad & Greenspace
    • Outdoor Event Stage for Festivals & Live Music

Curious about Clermont or Minneola real estate? Find local communities and available homes in both areas, as well as local information about living there.

>> Living in Clermont
>> Living in Minneola


Thinking About Buying or Selling in Southwest Orlando?

Jeffrey Funk, Co-Founder of The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty has been serving buyers and sellers throughout Southwest Orlando for more than 25 years.

As Windermere residents raising their family locally, Jeffrey and his wife & The Funk Collection Co-Founder, Renee, bring firsthand knowledge of the communities, neighborhoods, and lifestyle that make this part of Central Florida so unique. Whether you’re considering buying your next home, relocating to the area, or planning to sell, the team can help you navigate the next steps with local expertise and market insight tailored to your goals.

Schedule a call with Jeffrey Funk today to discuss your buying or selling plans in Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Winter Garden, Clermont, and the surrounding Southwest Orlando communities.

Posted by Jen Durben on

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