Munchies Is Just a Memory

The former Munchies Grill & Bar is inching closer to becoming a distant memory as the new owner is working feverishly to open his Italian restaurant in the spot.

Anthony Marko, owner of 18 Anthony's pizzerias in the Orlando area, is confident that once his eatery opens, people will soon forget about the previous tenant of the property.

That will come as welcome news to the many residents in the area who complained about the goings on at the old bar, including numerous police calls and complaints of illicit activities taking place at the Adrian Avenue establishment. 

"I heard there was a lot of shady stuff going on here, and I was shocked," Marko, who is in town overseeing the development of his latest restaurant, told Patch.

"I'm not concentrating on a bar atmosphere," he added. "This is strictly going to be a family restaurant."

Marko said he prides himself on the quality of his food and his service.

The longtime restaurant vet - he's been in the business for nearly 30 years - said everything will be homemade at Anthony's, and his staff is well-trained with a focus on professionalism and customer service.

He said his motto is simple: "If I won't eat it, I won't serve it!"

In addition to his popular pizza, Marko said customers rave about his subs and meals also; many items are made from old family recipes, and all are made fresh on site.

And don't even ask to reheat anything quickly - none of Anthony's eateries feature a microwave oven.

"People think we're being mean, but it's true," he said. "We don't even know what a microwave is!"

Marko said the work on the place is coming along quickly now, and he hopes to have the restaurant open by the July 4th holiday.

He is also working on opening two other locations, one on Belcher Road and East Bay Drive and another on Fourth Street and 66th Avenue.

And he guarantees all his places will have the same quality food and family atmosphere.

"No bar, no nightlife," he said. "I've been doing this a long time and I take a lot of pride in what I'm doing."