With a show-stopping dance number, a confetti shower and some serious star power, Patina Restaurant Group’s newest locations – Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte – officially debuted at Disney Springs on Thursday.
Mickey and Minnie were two of the VIP guests in attendance as Delaware North Chairman Jeremy Jacobs, along with Co-CEOs Jerry Jacobs Jr. and Lou Jacobs, joined executives from Disney to welcome guests to the new eateries at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. A fourth restaurant, The Edison, also celebrated its grand opening this week with a New Year’s Eve bash.
“On behalf of Delaware North and our Patina Restaurant Group, we are honored to be part of the Disney family,” Mr. Jacobs said. “It has been a great joy to play a role in the exciting evolution of Disney Springs, and we look forward to continuing to grow with you.”
The new concepts tie into the Disney Springs storyline of a restored Florida waterfront town. Maria & Enzo’s is an Italian trattoria set in a storied abandoned airline terminal from the 1930s, now transformed into a restaurant. Enzo’s Hideaway is a speakeasy inspired by Roman aperitivo bars, located in the storied rum-runner tunnels that adjoin Maria & Enzo’s. And Pizza Ponte is a fast-casual concept serving pastries, pizza, Italian sandwiches, and espresso.
This week’s openings coincided with National Spaghetti Day, for which Executive Chef Theo Schoenegger prepared a ceremonial, oversized pot of spaghetti and meatballs.