| The gay-owned and LGBT-friendly business, the Funky Monkey Wine Company, is opening a second location on International Drive.
The original Funky Monkey at 912 North Mills Ave. has been around for two years and is owned by Eddie Nickell and his partner Nicholas Olivieri. Nickell says the success of the original is the driving force in his move to create a second location at Pointe Orlando.
“We’ve become such a huge hit, and we’re full every night,” Nickell said. “The people from Pointe Orlando approached me and they wanted a local, independent restaurant there, and they wanted drag shows on I-Drive. So that’s what we’re doing.”
Nickell said the new Funky Monkey would be the first gay-owned and operated restaurant at Pointe Orlando.
“This second location is larger and will boast a lounge area, bar area, dining room and outdoor seating,” said Olivieri. “We will rotate our Tasters Guild Orlando Wine Dinners between the two locations.”
Nickell said the menu will be similar to the original location, and they’re shooting for Sept. 15 as the official opening date of the I-Drive Funky Monkey. Online reservations will soon be available at FunkyMonkeyWine.com.
