Trusting his instincts led this local Black architect to success

Welcome to Orlando Business Journal's weekly LinkedIn newsletter. I'm Managing Editor Susan Lundine, rounding up Orlando business news to keep you in the know when time is short.

Ruffin Rhodes?years ago was having lunch with an old college friend,?Max Brito, who had just moved to Orlando.

Rhodes casually mentioned he was entertaining the thought of opening an architectural practice, but he didn’t want to do it alone. Brito revealed he thought about the same thing.

“From that lunch to approximately one year later (1996), Rhodes+Brito was established. We are celebrating 27 years in business this year.”

Learn more about Rhodes here.

And now onto other big business deals, transactions and activity headlines from the week.

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Real estate news of the week

Check out some of the biggest names in local real estate and what they're up to:

• Lake Nona scores another HQ. Here's the latest.: A medtech firm has opened a center in the east Orlando community's newest medical office building — and plans to relocate its headquarters nearby, as well.
• Former Orlando City owner’s home sells for record price. See inside.: The 26,000-square-foot custom mansion in the Isleworth community sold for $32 million in an off-market deal.
• Iconic downtown Walgreens will close: The highly-visible location that once was heralded as a big win for downtown Orlando's retail landscape is set to shutter.
• New $95M development headed to fast-growing Hamlin area. Here's more.: A new project is in the works in one of west Orange County's premier submarkets.

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Orlando news bites

You don't want to miss these top stories:

• Traveling to Miami? Here's a Brightline vs. airplane cost comparison.: When the intercity rail debuts its 170-mile, Orlando-to-Miami route in second-quarter 2023, will it be cheaper, more comfortable and just as fast as flying between the two cities?
• Disney’s Reedy Creek district OKs ‘biggest job ever’: The Walt Disney Co.'s district approved a major change — one of the largest projects it has done in its 50-year history.
• Port Canaveral takes world cruise title from Miami: By 2027, the Central Florida port is expected to see 6.43 million cruise passengers.

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Restaurant news & notes

We're always hungry for new places to eat. Check these out:

• Dutch Bros. plans another local coffee shop. Here’s where.: The move is part of a regional expansion.
• Local taco and burger restaurant opens new location: The brand expands via a franchising model with an estimated capital investment ranging from $550,000 to $1.8 million.
• Tijuana Flats plans massive expansion: The Tex-Mex brand expects to achieve this by launching a new expanded franchise development program — with exclusive incentives for franchisees who sign on by Dec. 1.

(Personal note from Susan: I love having a Tijuana Flats near my home. My favorite hot sauce there is called Jason's Mom — and not just because I have a son named Jason!)

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Nominations & Events

Things to put on your busy calendar:

• Join us at the 2023 Business of Sports?panel discussion, to be held March 9
• Nominate now for the 2023 Fire Awards.?Deadline: March 16
• Register now for the 2023 Future of Cities virtual event,?to be held March 20
• Join us at the 2023 Women Who Mean Business event,?to be held March 30

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Finally ... make your voice heard!

These?OBJ?polls are live. Let us know what you're thinking.

• What should Orlando do to draw more world-class sports events to town?
• When was the last time you took a weeklong vacation?
• Vote now: Inno Madness Round 1
• How do you feel about Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf hosting an Orlando area event?

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That's all for this week's top headlines, and thanks for supporting?OBJ.

This weekly round-up of Orlando business news was compiled by Susan Lundine, managing editor. Questions? Comments? Concerns? News tips? Send them to [email protected].