A space once defined by what it didn’t serve is now redefining itself by what it does, inviting a broader community to its table with a landmark evolution. The BANDBOX, previously celebrated as Central Florida’s first and only spirit-free speakeasy, has embarked on a significant transformation, re-launching this spring as the BANDBOX Café & Taproom. This pivot from a niche, non-alcoholic concept to a more inclusive, mainstream establishment marks a new chapter for the brand, beginning with a flagship location in the coastal city of New Smyrna Beach. The move reflects not a departure from its original ethos but an expansion of it, adapting to a social landscape where high-quality, non-alcoholic options are no longer a rarity but an expectation.
A Surprising Pivot for Florida’s First Spirit-Free Speakeasy
The original BANDBOX captured the imagination of Orlando with its clandestine, 1920s Art Deco charm and a resolute commitment to a spirit-free menu. It carved out a unique identity as a sanctuary for the sober and “sober curious,” offering complex, handcrafted mocktails in an era when such options were scarce. The establishment became a proof of concept that a vibrant, sophisticated social life did not require alcohol, building a loyal following that appreciated its novelty and dedication to an underserved market.
However, the brand’s relaunch introduces a notable change: the inclusion of beer and wine. This decision represents a strategic evolution rather than a reversal. By incorporating alcoholic beverages alongside its signature non-alcoholic creations, BANDBOX is broadening its appeal. The new model acknowledges that its patrons exist on a spectrum of consumption habits, from the strictly sober to the occasional drinker, and seeks to create a welcoming environment where both can coexist comfortably without compromising on the quality of the experience.
The Mainstreaming of the Sober-Curious Movement
The very success of the sober-curious movement, which The BANDBOX helped champion in Florida, has altered the landscape it once dominated. When the speakeasy first opened, finding a thoughtfully crafted non-alcoholic cocktail at a typical bar was a challenge. Today, the market has matured significantly, with major beverage companies and local establishments alike investing heavily in non-alcoholic alternatives. This widespread availability has made dedicated spirit-free venues less of a necessity and more of a choice.
This shift has empowered The BANDBOX to transition from a niche provider to an integrated social hub. The brand’s new strategy recognizes that the conversation has moved beyond simple abstinence to one of choice and moderation. By offering a diverse menu that includes coffee, kombucha, beer, wine, and its well-known THC/CBD seltzers, the café and taproom can now cater to mixed groups and a wider demographic, positioning itself as a destination for everyone, regardless of their beverage preference.
A First Look Inside the New BANDBOX Café and Taproom
The first expression of this new vision is a sprawling 3,000-square-foot flagship location at 216 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach. This venue is a significant step up in scale and ambition, designed as a dynamic community space. It features a modern self-pour tap wall, an expansive outdoor patio for enjoying the coastal air, and a dedicated game room equipped with an interactive dart board and a photo booth, encouraging social interaction and entertainment beyond just the menu.
At the heart of the new BANDBOX is a radically diversified menu that aims to satisfy any palate at any time of day. A full-service coffee bar will operate daily, serving traditional coffee and nitro cold brew. The beverage program is a centerpiece, complemented by a robust food offering forged through a partnership with DaKine Hawaiian Kitchen. Guests can expect a menu featuring shareable dips and sliders, traditional Hawaiian plate lunches, poke bowls, and desserts. An additional collaboration with “Simply Cheese” ensures that artisanal charcuterie boxes and other light bites are also available.
In a distinct departure from its Roaring Twenties roots, the new location sheds its Art Deco theme for a fresh, mid-century modern aesthetic. The ambiance is envisioned as a “vintage beach house” or a “seaside inspired retreat,” reflecting its new coastal home. This 1940s-1950s design creates a more relaxed and casual atmosphere, aligning with the goal of being an approachable, everyday hangout spot rather than a special-occasion speakeasy.
A Vision for a Local Favorite Hangout Spot
According to owner Kevin Zepf, the strategic pivot is driven by a desire to create a “local favorite hangout” that prioritizes community and experience above all else. The core mission is to build an inclusive environment where guests are not defined by what they choose to drink. By providing a multitude of high-quality options, The BANDBOX aims to foster a space where the focus is on connection, entertainment, and shared moments, making the choice between an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage a seamless part of the overall experience.
To that end, the New Smyrna Beach location is designed to be a hub of activity. The venue plans to host a full schedule of events created to engage the local community. This programming will include nightly live music, open mic nights for aspiring artists, trivia competitions, and film showings. Furthermore, The BANDBOX will continue to honor its legacy by offering non-alcoholic cocktail classes, educating patrons on the art of mixology without spirits and reinforcing its expertise in the non-alcoholic space.
Statewide Expansion and How to Experience the New BANDBOX
The New Smyrna Beach café is just the beginning of a comprehensive statewide rollout. The BANDBOX has already announced plans to open a second location in the Seminole Heights district of Tampa in the fall. This expansion signals the brand’s confidence in its new, more versatile business model and its potential for replication in other major Florida markets.
Interestingly, the brand has not forgotten its origins. In a nod to its loyal followers, a new iteration of the original Art Deco, spirit-free speakeasy concept is slated to open in Orlando’s Mills 50 area in the fall of 2027. This dual strategy allows the company to grow its inclusive café and taproom model while preserving the speakeasy experience that first put it on the map. For those eager to visit the new flagship, the BANDBOX Café & Taproom at 216 Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach offers daily coffee service from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with taproom hours running from Wednesday through Sunday with varying evening closing times.
With its doors now open in New Smyrna Beach, The BANDBOX has successfully navigated a complex but necessary evolution. The brand’s transformation from a niche, spirit-free speakeasy into an all-encompassing café and taproom stands as a testament to its ability to adapt to and lead market trends. By embracing a broader definition of hospitality, The BANDBOX has created a model for the modern social space—one where choice is celebrated, community is cultivated, and everyone has a seat at the table.
