Permitting problems have delayed the opening of Flaco’s second location for nearly a month.
Flaco’s Cuban Bakery and Coffee Spot planned to open a second location in Midtown before the end of March, but a miscommunication about whether the restaurant needed a gas permit has set back the opening date, said Sara Puyana, co-owner of the restaurant.
The Cuban-style restaurant plans to serve fried foods and have an ordering window to serve customers at the new location.
A contracted commercial-appliance installer connected the new venue’s stoves and fryers to an already existing gas line in the restaurant’s suite under the impression that a gas permit wouldn’t be required, Puyana said.
But without the permit, the restaurant wasn’t able to pass several inspections two weeks ago. Progress was stalled until the business received the permit last Friday.
“We had to reschedule all our inspections,” Puyana said. “We’re practically going to have to open in the summer.”
Flaco’s received its gas permit from Gainesville Regional Utilities on Friday of last week. The restaurant’s final fire and mechanical inspections will be conducted this week, Puyana said. Flaco’s will also have to test its fire-suppression system before opening.
Flaco’s staff plans to have the opening inspection for the new location with the Florida Health Department on Friday, Puyana said. The restaurant could open immediately after passing the inspection, but Puyana wants to wait until next week to prepare the kitchen.
“It’s definitely been heartbreaking,” she said about the delays.
The opening of Flaco’s Cuban Bakery and Coffee Spot’s second location in Midtown has been delayed due to permit issues.
