The Wildwood Soup Kitchen has officially secured its new home on Main Street, finalizing a $1.5 million-dollar real estate deal with the previous restaurant tenant that allows it to continue feeding the community.
According to a deed filed with the Sumter County Property Appraiser’s office, the sale was completed on February 17, for $1.5 million. The organization, which is a completely volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, purchased the property from C1 486A Property LLC.
Located at 1112 S Main Street, the building previously housed Coney Island Drive-Inn restaurant, which closed its doors at the end of January. In a statement posted to social media, the owners of the hot dog spot said that, although the transition was “bittersweet,” they were proud to help the nonprofit organization in its mission.
“We were fortunate to enjoy four profitable years at our location there in Wildwood,” the restaurant owners shared.
As previously reported, the Wildwood Soup Kitchen sought out the new location after an emergency crisis threatened its long-standing operations at the First Presbyterian Church.
The organization’s lease at the church faced new stipulations that included doubled rent, reduced access hours, and a decrease in available space, all while the demand for meals continued to rise.
“The Wildwood Soup Kitchen had lost their location. They were able to raise the money to purchase our building from us…we are proud to see them be able to stay in Wildwood and continue to do their good work,” reads a statement shared by the former restaurant owners.
Staffed by over 750 volunteers, many of whom are residents of The Villages, the Wildwood Soup Kitchen provides more than 4,200 free meals every week to families, children, and seniors in need.
With the $1.5 million acquisition now complete, the organization is shifting its focus toward a $600,000 fundraising goal to remodel the space.
The upgrades are essential to transforming the hot dog restaurant into a high-capacity, industrial kitchen. Planned improvements include expanded refrigeration and freezer capacity, industrial cooking equipment, and the installation of a commercial dishwasher, which is a first for the organization.
The soup kitchen is still actively seeking donations to cover the remaining costs of the remodel, with a goal of moving into the new facility by mid-to-late April.
Donations for the remodeling and equipment can be made online at the Wildwood Soup Kitchen website or by sending checks to P.O. Box 1762, Wildwood, FL 34785, with a note specifying “Remodeling/Equipment.”
In addition to donations, a 50/50 raffle is held at St. Charles Bingo, which is held at Seabreeze Recreation Center, benefits the kitchen. That event will next occur on Wednesday, March 25.