DOWNTOWN BUSINESS NEWS
Orlando Business Journal Names New Market President and Publisher
Orlando Comas is stepping into the role of market president and publisher at Orlando Business Journal, bringing more than two decades of media industry experience across digital transformation, revenue growth, and organizational leadership. He will be relocating to Central Florida in the coming weeks and looks forward to immersing himself in one of the fastest-growing business markets in the country. Read more here.

Orlando Teams Unite for "10 Years of Orlando United" Commemorative T-Shirt
Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Magic, and the Orlando Solar Bears have joined forces to release a special-edition commemorative t-shirt marking the 10th anniversary of the Orlando United program, born in the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub tragedy. All proceeds benefit The Center Orlando through the Orlando Soccer Foundation, directly supporting survivors, honoring the 49 lives lost, and advancing equality across Central Florida. Learn more and purchase your shirt here.

Good Salt and Ustler Development to Transform Iconic Hoods Up Building
The beloved Hoods Up property at 2400 E. Robinson St. is getting a new life, as Ustler Development, Inc. and Good Salt Restaurant Group plan to convert the 1957 Milk District landmark into a new dining concept potentially called "Paper Kites." The restaurant is projected to create 35 jobs and generate $2.6 million in annual sales. Construction is expected to begin as early as this month, with an opening timeline to be announced at a later date. Read the full story here.

OBJ's 2026 Best Places to Work
Orlando Business Journal has named 50 winners for its 2026 Best Places to Work program, and seven Downtown Orlando Partnership members earned a spot on the list! Congratulations to BlueWave Resource Partners, Borrelli + Partners Inc., FAIRWINDS Credit Union, FINFROCK, HuntonBrady Architects, Sunrise Bank, and Welbro Building Corporation. Final rankings will be revealed at the awards event on August 19, with full honoree details published in the August 21-27 edition of OBJ. Read the full list here.

DeAngelis Diamond to Construct New Student Housing at Full Sail University
Full Sail University has announced Dream Lofts at Full Sail University, a new five-story, 576-bed student housing complex set to break ground now, with DeAngelis Diamond serving as the construction management company. The development will include modern furnished units, creative collaboration spaces, a resort-style pool, and a pedestrian walkway bridge connecting residents directly to campus. The first phase is projected to be completed in early 2028. See the full announcement here.

Chef Hari Pulapaka Joins 4Roots Farm as Senior Culinary Director
James Beard semifinalist and longtime Central Florida culinary figure Chef Hari Pulapaka has joined 4Roots Farm as Senior Culinary Director, where he will shape programming, hospitality experiences, and culinary operations across the nonprofit's farm campus. Among his first initiatives is a new monthly dinner series launching this fall in the property's culinary barn, designed as immersive, communal long-table events rooted in seasonal ingredients and storytelling. Learn more about his new role here.