A drive by of Christy’s Sundown Restaurant this evening (August 4, 2009) finds the venerable institution is closed. The landmark Winter Haven establishment has been an icon of success in the restaurant business. Nicholas “Nick” Christy bought the Sundown Restaurant in the early 1950s when it was among the few businesses located on U.S. 17.
Christy built his restaurant experience along with the success of Cypress Garden’s promoter Dick Pope and created a culinary destination appreciated throughout Central Florida. The entrance wall serves as a testament to the likes of Esther Williams, Johnny Carson, Carol Burnett, Roy Rogers and other luminaries that came to the Gardens and dined at Christy’s.
Christy sold the restaurant to James Bronkhorst in 2007. We have information that new opportunities are in the works. Speculation involves a new owner and a new focus for the landmark location. Stay tuned …
Pictured above: Sundown Restaurant circa 1950s.
Christy’s has provided me with so many fond memories and will missed! I look forward to another restaurant in the same location and hopefully the name will remain Christy’s.
I am so very sad to hear of Christys closing, so sad in fact I feel like crying. From the day we arrived in Winter haven Christys is where Bithdays, Anniversaries, New Years Eve and any other event plus even if it was no special event just to go somewhere great. I will continue to have great memories and really all thanks to the very special Nick Christy.
Truly a sad day indeed……
I am extremely saddened by this news. Christy’s was the place to go for great food and social.
It wasn’t the recession that caused this. It was the quality of food and condition of the restaurant. (That is my personal opinion and experience)
So many happy occasions celebrated at Christy’s since I was a child, so many great memories. Although we did make it a point to go as often as possible in recent years, it just wasn’t the same without Nick stopping by to ask, “How you doin’?” and imparting his wisdom. Thanks, Nick and the ever-present Pat for lots of great times and great food.
I wish the new owner much luck and success. We are cheering you on and looking forward to making new wonderful memories for many years to come with whatever you decide to create.
The Rowan Family
I met my late wife at Christy’s. I proposed to her there and we always went there for special occasions. We brought out of town friends and never had a bad meal. Cindy loved to go there for lunch with friends and have the spinach salad and coconut pie. The lounge was fun too! I would love to see someone keep the same format.
It’s sad to say, but Ms.Lentz is absolutely correct. The quality of the food and service had declined drastically in the past year or so. The state of the economy had nothing to do with my decision to go elsewhere to eat. . . . . .I’m looking forward to a new owner, and improved food and service.
The Sundown was a Winter Haven landmark. Residents of Polk County visited Christy’s not only because of the excellent menu and pleasant atmosphere but to see Nick. He was a true gentleman. Nick ran a great business and knew how to treat people. When Nick sold the Sundown, the establishment did not stand a chance of survival. Especially with the tough economic times which now exist. Most Havenites never knew what they were missing by not patronizing Nick on a regular basis.
My dad just mailed me an article about Christy’s closing (I live in Atlanta now.) My fondest memories of eating at Christy’s date back to the late 70′s & early 80′s. I would “work” for my dad in the summers and he would treat me to the occasional special lunch at Christy’s Sundown which would always end with the coconut pie. It was a really big deal for me. New owners – take note: its been almost 30 years and I still haven’t forgotten that warm, delicious coconut pie! ;-)
It really is nice to hear all of your wonderful stories and experiences at my Grandfather’s restaurant. Like you, I also have spent many memorable occasions there since I was practically a baby. I didn’t even know it closed down till I was home from college and happened to drive by. I agree the new owner made some major mistakes and couldn’t keep it from going under. I am definitely hoping that new management we’ll revitalize the restaurant and bring back the success(While still naming it Christy’s). My grandparents are both doing really well for their age and enjoyed you as much as you enjoyed going to eat at Christy’s.
Good to hear from you Patrick and thanks for relating your grandparents are doing well.