News Summary
Iron Daisy, known for its ‘Florida Mex’ cuisine, is set to close on May 4, 2023, after six successful years. Co-owned by local City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow, the restaurant faced challenges against larger chains. However, it will be succeeded by The Updraft, featuring a mix of menu items from Iron Daisy and their other establishment, The Wilbury. This new concept, overseen by current manager Dharma Hadders, aims to revitalize the dining experience in the area while addressing local preferences.
TALLAHASSEE – Iron Daisy, a popular restaurant located at 507 W. Gaines St., is set to close its doors on May 4, 2023. The announcement of the closure was confirmed on May 1, marking the end of a six-year run for the establishment that was well-known for its “Florida Mex” cuisine.
The restaurant was co-owned by City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow and his business partner Ryan Smith. Throughout its years of operation, Iron Daisy gained a reputation for its menu that catered to various dietary restrictions and offered allergenic-friendly options. Menu staples included tacos, fajitas, and burritos, which were tailored to meet the preferences of the local student population.
A white note placed on the restaurant’s door encourages patrons to “tell your friends and enjoy us while we last,” highlighting the bittersweet nature of the impending closure that has drawn attention from regular customers.
In an exciting development, a new dining concept called The Updraft is set to replace Iron Daisy at the same location. The Updraft will feature a selection of menu items from both Iron Daisy and The Wilbury, another restaurant co-owned by Matlow and Smith. Key items anticipated to be on The Updraft’s menu include popular fried chicken tacos, which have gained considerable local acclaim.
Current manager of Iron Daisy, Dharma Hadders, will transition to oversee The Updraft when it opens in the coming weeks. The innovation within the new restaurant aims to combine the best of both dining experiences, offering patrons a fresh twist while retaining familiar flavors.
A unique feature of The Updraft will allow customers to order from its menu while at The Wilbury bar nearby, creating an interconnected dining experience for patrons who frequent both establishments.
Despite the restaurant’s local popularity, the owners acknowledged challenges they faced, particularly from larger chain restaurants in the vicinity. Iron Daisy’s closure comes after a period of struggle to compete effectively in a competitive dining landscape. Previously, Iron Daisy temporarily closed due to a COVID-19 case among its staff but returned to operations shortly after, providing take-out and delivery services while adhering to health protocols, including deep cleaning and staff testing.
The closure of Iron Daisy reflects broader trends in the restaurant industry, where establishments must continuously adapt to maintain relevance amidst fierce competition. Feedback from patrons over the years noted a strong appreciation for Iron Daisy’s staff and the distinct menu items, like the much-loved jackfruit tacos.
Alongside Iron Daisy and The Wilbury, Matlow and Smith also own the Gaines Street Pies pizza chain, which operates multiple locations in Tallahassee, further showcasing their investment in the local dining scene.
As the city bids farewell to Iron Daisy, excitement builds around the launch of The Updraft, which aims to deliver a vibrant and innovative dining experience that caters to the changing preferences of its clientele. With a menu set to bridge the tastes of both restaurants, it remains to be seen how the new concept will be received by the community.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Iron Daisy Closing for Good
- Google Search: Iron Daisy restaurant Tallahassee
- Tallahassee.com: New Restaurant Iron Daisy Announcement
- Wikipedia: Restaurant Industry
- Tallahassee.com: Iron Daisy Closure Due to COVID-19
- Google Scholar: Restaurant COVID-19 Impact
