The Great Southern Box Company – Orlando’s New Food Hall

Calling all Orlando foodies! There’s a new kid on the block, and it’s bringing a global explosion of flavors to Orlando’s Packing District. The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall, just outside of the College Park area, is a must-visit for anyone craving delicious eats and a vibrant yet retro-style atmosphere.

This blog post is all about the Great Southern Box Company, located in Orlando, Florida.

Link to their official website for menus and updates: www.westlakesfoodco.com

Great Souther Box Company Entrance Interior at The Great Southern Box Company

A Packing District Gem

For those unfamiliar with the area, the Packing District is ready for a major come up. This revitalized neighborhood boasts a new publix market, new apartment complexes and a gorgeous Foxtail Coffee brewhouse. As someone who who loves to explore Orlando’s hidden gems, I’m thrilled to see this area flourish.

The World on the Table

The real star of the show, however, is the food hall itself. The Great Southern Box Company offers a diverse selection of culinary concepts, ensuring there’s something to please every taste bud. Fro my recent visit, here’s a glimpse into the current offerings. (as of summer 2024):

The vendors and brand’s we tried out and what we ordered:

Company: Stackd Brownies @stackdbrownies
Cuisine: American Dessert
What we ordered: Reeses Pieces Brownie & the Chocolate filled croissant.

Company: Dancing Yeti @dancingyetorlando
Cuisine: Nepalese & Indian Kitchen
What we ordered: Steamed Lamb Momo

Company: A Lo Cubano Kitchen @alocubanokitchen
Cuisine: Cuban Street food
What we ordered: Chorizo & Cheddar Croquetas

Company: Eight Twenty Orlando @eighttwentyorlando
Cuisine: American Burger
What we ordered: The Rodeo Burger

Company: Braza @brazaorlando
Cuisine: Fast Casual Brazilian Steakhouse
What we ordered: Steak Sandwhich

Burger by Eighty Twenty Burger

Braza Sandwhich

The Experiences

It seems like a lot of the restaurants are still figuring out their systems when I came to visit during their soft opening. Some vendors had a text message system to let you know when your food is ready, others hope their patrons where hanging around so they can call out your name. I think if they offered a beeper system, it’ll make the process smoother as some people don’t like to give out their phone numbers. Or instead of having the vendor enter the phone number, have the customer add it themselves to avoid repeating the number.

Free Parking and Weekend Crowds

Free parking is across the street in the parking garage, which is a welcome convenience. However, be fully prepared for a lively yet crowded experience especially on the weekends. THe space seems to have a limited capacity, so during my Thursday visit, there were already a good amount of people enjoying their meals or working remotely. This gives me a feeling that it might get crazy crowed on peak days, similar to other popular food halls I’ve experienced in other cities.

Exceptional Eats

Despite the potential crowds, the exceptional quality of the food truly shines. Overall the food was incredible and I’m so excited for these experience and upcoming chefs to showcase their flavors and bring this experience to Orlando.

The Future is Delicious

The Packing District, with The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall as its centerpiece, is a place brimming with potential. I’m excited to witness the continued growth of this vibrant neighborhood and see what new flavors and experiences awaits us in the future.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your appetite and head to The Great Southern Box Company Food Hall for a culinary adventure around the world!

Great Souther Box Company New Food Sign

Where to Stay near Downtown Orlando, Florida?

If you are staying near downtown Orlando, I would highly recommend staying at The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando. It’s high-end, has great dining options nearby, and a rooftop pool.