Church Street's Mojo is no more

Mojo Bar and Grill on Church Street was set to shut down Monday night, and it will be replaced later this month with a casual chain called the Harry Buffalo.

Kevin O'Donnell, who with several partners owns Harry Buffalo restaurants, said Monday would be the last night for Mojo. The Harry Buffalo should open by Oct. 27.

There are half a dozen Harry Buffalos now in the Cleveland area. The Harry Buffalo serves sports-bar fare.

The owners of Mojo, including John SanFelippo, will be involved in the venture here.

Mojo opened in 2010, taking a prominent space in the old Rosie O'Grady's just as the new Amway Center was opening. SanFelippo had high hopes for the Cajun restaurant, but things were slow on nights when there were no games or concerts.

The restaurant stopped serving weekday lunch, and changed its concept.

Other businesses have struggled. The Dessert Lady on Church Street also recently closed, and it plans to reopen in Dr. Phillips. Other businesses that have closed include Oopsy Scoopsy yogurt shop, Seaira Bay, Headstart Books & Crafts.

Still, O'Donnell said he sees promise on the strip

"It's the city hub," he said. As the economy recovers, he said, "we see that as a place to live, work and play."

O'Donnell's group also owns the Frank & Stein's eatery and pub downtown, and O'Donnell opened the Winter Park location of The Meat House. He said construction will start on another Frank & Stein's bar next to that property in December.

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Church Street's Mojo is no more