"This is such sad news, Steve," said Stuart Morrell. "I'll always have great memories of the fantastic 'que we had at Porkie's Original BBQ... Best of luck in your next venture!"
A friend and a true gem
"I want to thank you for the 12 great years of BBQ you have to me and my family," said Joey Myers. "I can say that myself, Erin Myers, and Cathy Myers will miss you and your BBQ, your staff, and your restaurant have given us. I also thank you for your friendship. I loved all the times you could sit down with me and converse about things. Apopka has lost a true gem."
"Oh no…Steve, you’ve been a tremendous community partner and a phenomenal restaurant in Apopka for more than two decades!" said former Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Agrusa. "Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Apopka area, and Porkies will be sorely missed!"
Apopka businesses not supported?
Although White did not give a reason for closing Porkie's, Darryl Richardson believes it's an issue many Apopka businesses are struggling with.
"This is the inherent issue with Apopka as a city," Richardson said. "Small businesses are not supported as they should be. Apopka residents will routinely visit Sanford, Winter Garden, and Winter Park for food and entertainment. Sorry to hear this, Steve… as a business owner in Apopka, we feel the same pressure. If Apopka is to be a destination, things must change."
"Trader Mae’s feels the same," said Annmarie Rita.
"This is very sad news for Apopka and the local community," said Shawn Tucker. "You have been a great partner in business and community support since day one..... you will be missed, buddy..... best of luck in your next chapter of business..."
"Just awful," said Michael Duran. "Thank you, sir, for your support to our family and to our brothers and sisters in the Apopka Fire Department. Our family is grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing you. Good luck on your next journey."
"I wish you luck in whatever your future may hold," said Lorena Potter. "Thank you for giving Apopka 20 years of good food and wonderful friendship."
Fellow Apopka restaurant owners praise Porkie's
"Sending you positive thoughts, Steve," said Patrice Phillips, the owner of Something Fishy in Altamonte Springs, who also closed a restaurant in Apopka. "You may not remember, but when we first moved to Apopka, we ate at Porkies. You were very kind to us. I appreciate all the times you answered my questions about the restaurant business. Thank you!"
"Steve, it was a great run. You truly epitomized what a classic owner-operator is," said Ed Conlan, owner of Beef O' Brady's and the Backroom Steakhouse in Apopka. "You wove yourself into the fabric of Apopka, and your commitment to our community will never be forgotten. Best wishes going forward. You deserve a well-deserved break. Cheers to your next chapter of life!"
"Steve, so sorry to hear this," said Commissioner Kyle Becker. "You expertly catered many events I had, and your food was always the best! Appreciate you as a friend, and you are a friend to so many. Wishing you the best…"
"Steve, I’m sorry to hear this," said Mark Byrd. "I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you."
So many comments, and love
"Just look at these comments, bro!" said Debra White. "You've been a part of the lives of so many people for so many years...you know you are loved and will be missed. I'll think of you every time I try to make my own Q Salad. I'm happy knowing you can now relax and enjoy life without the worries."
MamaMia
It seems a whole lot of restaurants have been closing for good. A sign of the times we live in, and how everything is changing, and different from the way things used to be, that we so loved. The last time we were heading to the Carolinas, I told my husband to let's get off the interstate, and drive the old small town route we used to drive through the low country of S.C., through the tiny towns of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, the way we used to go, when driving to the top of S.C. They had bar- b-q places everywhere along that route and some of the best bar-b-q anywhere. So we left Ga.and from there all the way to Columbia, S.C. it was like ghost towns. I was actually afraid we couldn't find a gas station! No bar-b-q places, no anything, no activity happening in the towns, deadsville, USA. This shocked me. When I saw even the Mexican restaurants shut down and boarded up, I knew just how bad things had gotten. Wasn't any need for a chamber of commerce to operate there, as they wouldn't of had any members.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Report this
wheresthepopcorn
There is more than one porkies, right? Did they all close? Will this article be removed?
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Report this
MamaMia
Bubbalou's on RSR got really bad before they closed for good. We went in, and I ordered a basket, which was a BBQ sandwich on garlic toast and fries. It was sooooo salty, I could not eat it. So I tried to eat just the garlic bread, but it was even saltier than the meat! I didn't bother sending it back, or asking for my money back, because I said, I'm done, and I will not come back again. It wasn't long, and I heard they had closed permanently. It was great when they first opened. I don't know what happened out there.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Report this
MamaMia
I loved going to Choctaw Willie's downtown Winter Garden, when they were in the old hotel. They had a BBQ buffet line that was out of this world, it was so good. I went with my mother, and my husband. Then it closed up too. We were so disappointed, and let down.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 Report this