As the dampened economy continues to pummel some areas of the country, Orlando continues to find glimmers of hope in the eyes of small business owners who are using this time to turn their dreams into their realities.

Retail vacancies in Orlando grew from 7.2 percent in the fourth-quarter of 2008 to nearly 10 percent during the same period last year, according to real estate brokerage firm Colliers Arnold. But as businesses move out, others are seizing the opportunity.

“This is our first business and, let me tell you, it has been a great experience so far,” says Stephanie Hackler, co-owner of Winehouse, along with her husband and mother-in-law. Scheduled to be open by the beginning of April in the Lake Nona Village shopping plaza, Winehouse offers customers a chance to taste wines from around the world while enjoying an assortment of salads and sandwiches in a relaxing lounge atmosphere.

Why make the move now? “We’ve always wanted to own a restaurant and one day at dinner my husband and I were joking about me quitting my job to run a wine bar,” says Hackler. “The next day I had our business plan almost completely outlined and there was no turning back from there.”

For some, the timing is just right. As some businesses, like Winehouse, are starting out to follow a passion, others are using the opportunity to expand and grow new markets, like Orlando-based Brick and Fire Pizza, opening their third location, Brick and Fire Pizza Express, in Lee Vista. “It’s actually a little bit of a different type of move than the company has ever made before,” says Pollyann Braznia, marketing director and owner’s representative for Brick and Fire Pizza. “We’re moving to opportunistic neighborhoods that are workable for our budget and the type of menus that we present; Lee Vista presents an exciting challenge for us.”

The challenge comes from a new community and a new target market for the group whose other two locations are freestanding buildings in downtown Orlando and Casselberry. “Here, we’re focusing more on delivery and carry out service and even modifying our menu for area homeowners, airport employees and tourists,” says Braznia.

Choosing to expand now is an effort by the company to take advantage of market circumstances. “Our other locations are doing phenomenally well and it’s just part of the growth process,” says Braznia.

As new businesses continue to spring up across East Orlando, whether it’s a dream come true or a carefully planned expansion, it’s important to remember growth is still possible. “The downturn in the economy has been terrible for some; but it also creates opportunity for those savvy enough to harness the new environment,” says Braznia.

Article by Corey Gehrold