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Renaissance for the Sundown Restaurant

Posted by Bob Gernert on March 16, 2010 at 4:54 pm

Looking west from the Sundown lounge area into the newly expanded foyer.
Dining entrance is at right.

Major renovations and upgrades (105% by some accounts … tongue-in-cheek) will transform the iconic Christy’s Sundown into an all new dining experience when it reopens as the Sundown Restaurant in early May.

The entrance foyer is larger, encompassing what was formerly the office area. And while the legendary photo wall has been donated to the Museum of Winter Haven History, memorable moments including Nick himself will live on as back-lighted ceiling photographs in the smaller, more intimate lounge area. For the nostalgic you will find richly refinished pecky cypress accents throughout the restaurant and the elaborate woodwork throughout the dining area has been restored as well. A long hidden glass block window was saved, disassembled  and now serves as a stylish room divider between foyer and dining area. The entrance to the dining areas is more direct.

There will be three private dining areas for meetings. The north room (where Johnny Carson held court and a host of other celebrities were entertained) has had the mirrors removed and will feature a board room setting for 16. The smaller private dining area familiar in the back of the first dining room has been renovated and refreshed. The east end of what used to be the lounge dance floor area and private room is now a private dining area for 40. The wine room and other appointments will provide nostalgia while totally new stacked slate, art and a piano will add  new dimensions to the lounge.

Final flooring and cosmetic construction is underway. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store …

Looking west from restaurant into expanded foyer area.

New lounge area with pecky cypress accents. Fred and Michael Johnson,
owner operators of the restaurant in foreground.

Bar area is smaller and more intimate. Accents will include stacked slate
and large backlighted Sundown photographs on the ceiling.

Fred and Michael Johnson discuss final plans for completing the north dining area.
Historic woodwork has been refinished and a new tile floor is being installed.

Watch for an early May opening.
Construction and enhancements by Everett Whitehead & Sons.

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