COVERSTORY
A Winning Business Family Community BY S A M A N T H A M O N TG O M E RY
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anford is a unique place to live in that while it is ever evolving, some things remain constant. When My Sanford Magazine sat down to chat with the owners of The Colonial Room, The Old Jailhouse, The Original Christo’s, The Tennessee Truffle and Tuffy’s Bottle Shop and Lounge, the one common thread that ran through each conversation was community.
Another interesting thing to note is that all the owners are humble and grateful to be working and living in such a gorgeous neighborhood that is rich in history and culture. During the conversations for this story, the businesses all shared a common interest in making their patrons feel comfortable and welcomed in their establishments.
Each restaurant saw themselves as a part of the Sanford family. They aren’t in competition with one another, because they all work together to make the neighborhood the best it can be for fellow business owners, residents living in the area and the people who visit—and fall in love with—our charming neighborhood.
The success of downtown Sanford is not dependent on one-single element, but rather the gathering of like-minded people who want to make the place they call home, better than ever.
COLONIAL ROOM RESTAURANT
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olonial Room Restaurant has the distinguished honor of being one of the oldest restaurants in Sanford. Owner Michelle Simoneaux started out as a server and remained working there for 25 years. When she decided to buy the restaurant, she knew she wanted to do two things: keep quality and consistency at the forefront of her business.
with customers. My heart is really in it. I feel that I am genuine.” When she was contemplating purchasing the restaurant, she believed that whoever bought the Colonial Restaurant would need to have the same love for it as she did. “Our customers are like family. We have so many regulars that it needed to be someone who loved the restaurant and loved Sanford.”
Michelle kept many popular items on the menu that her regular guests have come to know and enjoy and added a few new selections that would bring in another generation of faithful patrons. With the addition of a kids’ menu and the fried-green tomato BLT, her instincts proved right. She has maintained her original fan base and attracted a new following. One great piece of advice that she adhered to was from the original owner, Mr. Bill: never use processed food. That is why you will only find items such as fresh-baked turkey and ham on the menu.
Michelle does not plan on slowing down anytime soon: “We are beyond thrilled to open the Colonial Room Country Store.” This will be adjacent to the restaurant and will feature unique items such as candy by the pound, old-fashioned Coca-Cola, ice cream and an array of homemade items from local artists, photographers and entrepreneurs.
In addition to serving delicious comfort food, Michelle says, “I love getting out and socializing 4 M Y S A N F O R D M A G A Z I N E | F A L L 2 0 21
The entire endeavor is a family affair, with her daughter Emeli managing the restaurant and her daughter Noel managing the Country Store, which is slated to open the first of October. Michelle’s 10-year-old granddaughter Olivia is excited to be part of the family business, too. She
will be managing a section of the Country Store. Be sure to stop in and say hello to the family on your next visit to downtown Sanford. Colonial Room Restaurant 105 E. 1st Street • Sanford, FL 32771 407-323-2999 • colonialroomsanford.com
ANDREW VAN TILBORGH, CHARMING SANFORD @ANDREWVT @CHARMINGSANFORD
Owner Michelle Simoneaux
