Look for New American Cuisine with a Southern Twist” – Michael Johnson
Look for a total makeover for the former “Christy’s Sundown” … well, everything but the “Sundown” as that is what the establishment will be called when it reopens, possibly by December. Fred Johnson (of Fred’s Southern Kitchen fame and a Plant City restaurant dynasty) is finalizing arrangements with current owner James Bronkhorst.
The Sundown will feature new american cuisine with an emphasis on southern fare … an “upscale comfort food” as described by new manager Michael Johnson (Fred’s son) and a recent graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in Manhattan. Asked to cite an example Michael described “crab with sherry in puff pastry.”
Sounds like new beginnings and great tastes in a familiar location. We look forward to telling you when you can visit.
(A little history on the name … The Sundown was a restaurant when Nick Christy leased it in the early 1950s. Back in the day, the Klemm Packinghouse operated across US 17 from the restaurant. When the workers got off for the day (at sundown) they would frequent the restaurant. The Klemm family still leases the property for use as a restaurant. The family and the community have a long-standing affection for the name. Pictured above: Sundown surrounded by citrus groves circa 1956)
I was sorry to see Christy’s Sundown Restaurant go…..It was a favorite place of mine to go and I have some great memories! My mother worked there for a couple of years back in the 80′s. She just loved it! However, progress has to be made and I certainly wish the new owners well in their endeavor to create a new Winter Haven Landmark Restaurant. I will certainly be one of their first customers! Kristie Carlini
Congrats Michael!!!!!
As a Lakeland resident since 1974, I did not get to frequent Christy’s Sundown Restaurant that much, but the times that I did go were always enjoyable. Mr Nick loved his place and cared for his customers. Thats what it takes to make a restaurant last all those years. Fred Johnson is that kind of person. We have “Freds Southern Kitchen” here in Lakeland and Bartow and they know how to do food right. Get ready Winter Haven, you are in for a treat!!