In June of 2006 Chef Mark opened his first restaurant, Absinthe Bistro and Bar in Church Street Station with the idea that with great food, great wine, great booze, consistent service and live entertainment, he could build a successful restaurant business there. It seemed like an uphill battle from the get go with the downtown district of Orlando Florida under heavy construction. Mark although was thinking of the future. The number of residents downtown was going to triple within a year. A new performing arts center and sports arena are to be built just a block away. Even the city commissioners were sponsoring a "world class downtown" suitable for tourists and walking traffic. The key to success was to survive the construction and continue to grow the restaurant based on business.
After nearly a year of operating, with kudos from restaurant critics and receiving an abundance of positive press, there was a good buzz surrounding Absinthe. The number of diners increased steadily and Absinthe was in the black. In early 2007, unforeseen financial issues began surfacing about Church Street Station and its now infamous music mogul owner Lou Pearlman. Harsh press coverage surrounding the issue had a hugely negative impact on business. Within weeks, Lou was on the lam, and bankruptcy proceedings against him began. Church Street Station was inevitably sold at auction. The leases for all of the tenants at Church Street Station were nullified by the Judge overseeing the proceeding, and Absinthe was forced to close its doors.
While writing off the loss of Absinthe and working to secure a location for a new restaurant, Chef Mark and his partners were offered a chance by the latest owners of Church Street Station to house the new concept in the very same space of Absinthe Bistro and Bar. Knowing the potential of the location, Mark and his partners took the offer and the Brick & Fire Pizza and Wine Company was born.
The idea behind The Brick & Fire Pizza and Wine Company is simple. Combine proven Italian influenced recipes with high quality market inspired ingredients and pizza would become an upscale dining experience. Chef Mark and his team of culinary professionals make use of only the finest meats and cheeses, seasonal vegetables, robust spices, and flavorful sauces to produce the best artisan pizzas in Orlando.
Although there are several pizza choices downtown, none feature a "Dual Oven" show and guest interaction kitchen in an upscale environment. Chef Mark chose two separate ovens for a very good reason. A deep dish pizza cooks perfectly in a high heat brick oven, hand tossed pizza cooked in a wood fired oven on the other hand is ideal. Two styles of pizza, two very different ovens, hence our namesake - Brick & Fire. Chef Mark and his team don't stop at pizza, offering a broad menu encompassing appetizers, salads, specialty pastas and entrees, and made to order desserts that guests expect from an upscale full-service restaurant.
True to the traditions of downtown's famous bar scene, and the fact that Brick & Fire Pizza and Wine Co. sports the only underground wine cellar in Orlando, a great deal of attention is paid to the wine list and our antique bar. The extensive capacity of the cellar, over 3000 bottles worth, gives way to over 100 bottles on our wine list, 25 of which are available by the glass. The cocktail menu features 20 martinis and specialty drinks, and for the sake of nostalgia, Absinthe based cocktails are available at the bar.
Join us for some unscripted service, stellar pizza, and fabulous wines in the historical surroundings of Church Street Station at Brick & Fire Pizza and Wine Co. We look forward to exceeding your expectations.
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The Original Logo of Absinthe Bistro and Bar, Chef Mark's first restaurant at Church Street Station
Church Street Station in 1989.
The Bumby Hardware Store in 1885. The Brick & Fire Pizza and Wine Company is housed inside the same building, now known as The Bumby Arcade.
The Bumby Family, early 1900's photo.
The Church Street Train Station in the early 1900's. This building still stands today.
The Orange Blossom Special Steam Engine #3749. Now permanently parked alongside the active tracks that run thru Church Street Station.
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