ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Hospitality entrepreneur and “Bar Rescue” host Jon Taffer has announced the official grand opening of Taffer’s Tavern Orlando on Wednesday, October 15. Located along International Drive, the debut marks the franchise’s first Florida location and introduces a refreshed design, reimagined menu, and immersive brand experience that Taffer calls the blueprint for the brand’s national expansion.

FNN Good News & Reviews is set to capture the one-of-a-kind experience as hospitality mogul Jon Taffer brings his Taffer’s Tavern franchise to Orlando with a highly anticipated grand opening on October 15, on I-Drive. The new tavern unveils a reimagined menu, spirit-infused sauces, and an exclusive lineup of signature cocktails, highlighted by Taffer’s own Browned Butter Bourbon.

A New Era for Taffer’s Tavern

Franchisee Nilesh Patel, a seasoned hospitality operator, brings the Orlando location to life in one of the city’s busiest entertainment districts. Just steps away from hotels, convention centers, and attractions, the tavern is positioned to welcome a mix of locals, tourists, and business travelers.
“Orlando is the perfect city to debut Taffer’s Tavern in Florida,” Patel said. “With its energy, diversity, and constant flow of visitors, it’s an ideal backdrop for the elevated tavern experience Jon has created.”

Elevated Comfort Food with Spirit-Infused Flavors

Inspired by traditional Old World pubs, Taffer’s Tavern features bold comfort food crafted with modern flair. Spirit-forward sauces developed with Taffer’s spirits portfolio infuse familiar dishes with innovative flavor. Menu highlights include:

• Bourbon Burger – Browned Butter Bourbon sauce, glazed caramelized onions, whiskey bacon, cheddar, brioche bun ($17.95)

• Hangover Wings – Twice-cooked chicken wings with flavors like michelada, tequila lime, and cinnamon whiskey ($12.95)

• Whiskey Business Burger – Whiskey ketchup, bacon, arugula, fried egg, provolone, American cheese, brioche bun ($18.95)

• Salted Caramel Triple Chocolate Brownie – Served with house-made honey bourbon ice cream and spiced rum caramel ($13.95)

Jon Taffer’s Vision for Expansion

Taffer says Orlando will serve as the model for future franchises. “This expansion into Orlando is more than just launching another location—it’s the blueprint for the future of Taffer’s Tavern,” he explained. “We’ve built a model that’s smarter, stronger, and designed to scale. Orlando is a natural fit for our brand, a city that thrives on energy, excitement, and hospitality.”

In addition to its food menu, the tavern features proprietary cocktails built around Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon, a whiskey with bold vanilla and toffee notes, inspired by Taffer’s work on “Bar Rescue.”

For reservations and franchise opportunities, visit tafferstavern.com.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling for sweeping reforms to Florida’s theme park safety laws following the tragic death of 32-year-old Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, who died Sept. 17 after riding the new Stardust Racers roller coaster at Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe. At a press conference Tuesday, Crump highlighted growing complaints, missed warning signs, and red flags that point to the need for greater state oversight.

Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

Complaints Surface After Fatal Incident

Crump revealed that since Zavala’s death, multiple individuals have come forward with their own troubling experiences on Stardust Racers. One woman said she lost consciousness and suffered neck and spine injuries shortly after the ride opened in May. She later contacted Zavala’s family through a GoFundMe page, detailing her ordeal.

“These are not isolated cases,” Crump said. “We’re hearing from others who faced serious issues on this same roller coaster.”

Family Demands Answers

Through an interpreter, Zavala’s mother, Ana Zavala, made an emotional plea for transparency and accountability.

“All we want is answers regarding my son’s death. We want answers so we can honor him and have peace. It is extremely difficult losing a son, and we do not wish this pain on anyone.” — Ana Zavala

Missed Warning Signs and Red Flags

Crump and his legal team argue that Universal missed clear red flags that Stardust Racers was unsafe. They are seeking access to surveillance footage from the night of Zavala’s death and conducting an independent inspection of the ride’s design and restraints.

“With respect to restraints, we’re going to look at everything,” said Paul Grinke, Managing Attorney at Ben Crump Law. “Should there have been more restraints? Different restraints? Special restraints for someone in Kevin’s condition? We will examine every detail from top to bottom.”

Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News

Call for New State Oversight

Florida National News pressed Crump on whether state law should be expanded to cover government investigations at large theme parks. Crump agreed, stressing that major corporations like Universal should no longer self-report and self-police ride-related injuries.

“We are calling for greater government oversight,” Grinke said. “Currently, Universal and other major parks self-report incidents. That is not enough. We are in open communication with state and local officials to push for legislative change.”

Universal’s Limited Reporting Under Scrutiny

Records from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services show Universal has only self-reported two incidents this year on Stardust Racers: a 63-year-old man who experienced dizziness and altered consciousness, and a 47-year-old woman with vision impairment and numbness. Both were attributed to “pre-existing conditions.”

Crump argues that this limited reporting shows the urgent need for mandatory state oversight, transparency, and public accountability.

“This is not just about one family’s tragedy,” Crump said. “It’s about protecting every family who visits Florida’s theme parks.”

Key Facts on Stardust Racers Investigation

• Victim: Kevin Rodriguez Zavala, 32, died Sept. 17 of blunt force injuries.

• Ride: Stardust Racers roller coaster, Epic Universe, opened May 2025.

• Complaints: At least two other riders have reported serious injuries or symptoms.

• Official Reports: Only two incidents self-reported by Universal this year.

• Proposed Reform: Mandatory state oversight of large theme park, like Universal Orlando’s Eric Universe.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) energized the city with its first Fall 2025 model casting, held Saturday, September 20 at Afro TV Studios. More than 200 aspiring and professional models attended the high-energy event, which partnered with Urban Fest 360, giving participants the chance to experience 60 featured films during the festival. Several models were immediately cast for upcoming fashion shows, while others were selected for blind skit performances, blending fashion, performance, and entertainment.

Designers, Stylists, and Boutiques in Attendance
Notable industry leaders were on hand to guide models and scout talent, including fashion consultant and leadership coach Carilyn Egleé, Culture Trees Designs with its bold ready-to-wear collections, and designer Ellie Paisley Miller, who brings a social media following of 150,000. Models received hands-on mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to future OIFW showcases and award ceremonies, including the Global Peace Film Festival and Urban Fest 360 Awards.

Upcoming Model Casting – September 28
OIFW announced its second Fall 2025 casting, scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at CityArts Gallery in Downtown Orlando. Models will have another chance to be cast for OIFW runway shows, meet designers, and take part in behind-the-scenes activities. Designers, boutiques, and stylists are also invited to apply via the OIFW website for a chance to showcase collections during the season.

Fall 2025 Fashion Shows and Tickets
Two major events headline OIFW this November:

• OIFW Fashion & Art at CityArts – Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Sponsored by Downtown Arts District, the show will merge visual art and high fashion in a single evening.

• OIFW Fashion Shows: Eola View – Sunday, November 16, 2025, featuring two full runway productions at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, spotlighting top designers from Orlando and beyond.

Early-bird tickets for both events are available now on Eventbrite, with organizers encouraging attendees to secure seats early for the immersive fashion and art showcases.