Fundraiser helps Tavares restaurant re-open after devastating fire

Cindy Peterson
·2 min read

The Lake Dora Courtyard, formerly Buster Tubbs in Tavares, is attempting to make a comeback after a devastating fire forced it to shut its doors in November, after only six months on the food scene. This was the first restaurant for owner Christy Firmin, who is determined to build it back better than before.

“I know as a first time restaurant owner I made some mistakes,” Firmin said. “As I’m building back after the fire shut me down, I really want to do it right this time.”

The Lake Dora Courtyard was the first restaurant for owner Christy Firmin, who is determined to build it back better than before. This photos is from January 2024.
The Lake Dora Courtyard was the first restaurant for owner Christy Firmin, who is determined to build it back better than before. This photos is from January 2024.

Unfortunately, the fire destroyed all of the kitchen equipment so Firmin will be starting from scratch. Thankfully she has some friends in high places.

“I’ve been a part of this community for a while and there are so many people, other restaurant owners, who have been so good to me since opening. Randy from Kalua, Tammy from The Dog House and Andy at Hemingway’s have just been wonderful.”

The fire was a result of overheated oil with a failed shutoff mechanism. The emergency extinguishing system did come on and stop the fire from spreading throughout the building, but all kitchen equipment was a loss.

The Lake Dora Courtyard is located at 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. in Tavares.
The Lake Dora Courtyard is located at 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. in Tavares.

The fire marshal had to temporarily shut down the restaurant, but Firmin is taking this as an opportunity to reinvent her restaurant.

The venue is known for live musical guests, many of whom came together on Jan. 6 and 7 for a fundraiser weekend, launching a soft re-opening with a new late-night menu.

The “From Fire to Festival” featured David Dequasie, Craig Sawyer, Driven, Church Moshholder, The Roy Baker Band, The Avalanche, Zack Denby, Toiya Karaokee, After Yesterday and Duplicity.

“I’m going to re-open my new master plan in phases, starting with the late-night breakfast menu,” Firmin said. “I will have a fresh produce market on-site, all weekend music themed events, a commissary kitchen space as well as the already established outdoor bar.”

The late-night menu offers The J’Ohio Breakfast Burger prepped with brown sugar, maple syrup with an over easy egg, the Champ-ion Breakfast Egg & Bagel Deluxe with an omelette-style egg stuffed with choice meats or veggies, cheese and drizzled with a flavorful courtyard cheesy sauce, and The Buster Bowl with a mixed omelette egg with choice meats, cheese and sauce. There will also be grits, courtyard potatoes and bagel sweet bites.

Firmin is also reaching out to investors and exploring various avenues to raise funds for rebuilding. She is passionate about giving back to the community and envisions Lake Dora Courtyard as a venue with a cause, where musicians and talent support various charities.

The Lake Dora Courtyard is located at 110 S. New Hampshire Ave. in Tavares. For information, visit The Lake Dora Courtyard Food & Events Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: After fire, Lake Dora Courtyard is back in business