Press Release
The Old Jailhouse Kitchen and Spirits: A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Sanford
A Family’s Vision Comes to Life
Michigan, US, 22nd January 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, When the Sirica family—Maria, Anthony, and their son Alex—discovered an abandoned jailhouse in downtown Sanford, they didn’t just see crumbling walls and remnants of the past. They envisioned a vibrant dining destination blending history, charm, and culinary innovation. Transforming a building without water, electricity, or modern infrastructure was no small feat, but the Siricas’ passion and creativity brought The Old Jailhouse Kitchen & Spirits to life. As Maria Sirica aptly describes it, the finished space offers a “polished casual” atmosphere that is as inviting as it is unique.
Steeped in History
The building itself tells a story spanning over a century. Originally serving as the Blacksmith & Wagon Shop from 1890 to 1895, it was a cornerstone of Sanford’s commercial district. By 1910, it had become E.E. Brady Livery Feed and Sales Stables before taking on a new identity as the Seminole County Jail in 1914. After decades of change—including stints as the Seminole County Health Department and Sanford Dry Cleaners—the Siricas stepped in to preserve the building’s historical essence while transforming it into a modern dining venue. Original features such as brick walls, jail cells, and iron bars have been preserved, offering diners a glimpse into the past while enjoying contemporary comforts.
Design: Where Modern Farmhouse Meets Industrial Chic
The interior design is a masterclass in blending historical authenticity with modern trends. Every detail has been carefully curated from the intimate dining nooks at the entrance to the open bar area. Reclaimed wood was used to craft the bar and dining tables, adding warmth and texture. The décor’s blend of modern farmhouse and industrial chic creates an ambiance that feels stylish and timeless, making it the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience.
Culinary Excellence with Sun Belt Flair
At the heart of The Old Jailhouse’s appeal is its menu, curated by renowned chef Bram Fowler, who brings his signature “Sun Belt fare with seasonal flair” to the table. Each dish celebrates regional flavors with an innovative twist, featuring highlights such as:
-
Low-Country Gulf Shrimp and Farm Sausage Skewer: Served atop creamy cheese grits and collard greens.
-
Jailhouse Burger: Ground Angus brisket topped with balsamic caramelized onions, blue cheese, and truffle oil, served on a potato roll with fingerling potato fries.
-
Oysters Sanford: A nod to the city’s celery heritage, featuring baked oysters with celery.
-
Brussels Sprout Petal Salad: A vibrant mix of strawberries, goat cheese medallions, pine nuts, and berry vinaigrette.
-
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding: A decadent dessert with a classic twist, featuring apples and bananas foster flavors.
Craft Cocktails and More
Complementing the culinary creations is an impressive bar program helmed by mixologist Nick Sprysinski, who has crafted a menu of innovative cocktails, including:
-
The Yard: A refreshing mix of gin, strawberry, club soda, and mint.
-
Hard Thyme: A bold blend of bourbon, brandy, vermouth, and lemon.
-
Cukes of Hazzard: Vodka, maraschino cherry liqueur, ginger liqueur, simple syrup, lemon, mint, and cucumber.
For those seeking variety, the bar also offers a curated selection of domestic and craft beers, wines by the glass or bottle, and plans for beer and wine flights and pairing dinners.
Unique Dining Spaces
The Old Jailhouse offers a variety of seating options to suit every preference:
-
The chef’s counter overlooking the open kitchen provides a front-row seat to culinary artistry.
-
The communal tables in the bar area are perfect for socializing and sharing stories.
-
For a more private experience, guests can opt for the visitation room, adorned with two elegant chandeliers, or the booking room, equipped with state-of-the-art AV capabilities.
-
The solitary chef’s table, seating up to six, offers an intimate and exclusive culinary journey.
-
Outdoors, “the yard” courtyard accommodates up to 24 guests for al fresco dining, while the pet-friendly indoor/outdoor piazza and sidewalk café area welcome guests with furry companions.
The Old Jailhouse’s Award-Winning Legacy
Over the years, The Old Jailhouse has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, solidifying its place as one of the region’s premier dining destinations. Below is a detailed look at its achievements:
2019: A Breakout Year
-
Florida Preservation Award:
The Old Jailhouse received the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation’s award for its exceptional efforts in restoring and repurposing the historic jailhouse. The project successfully integrated modern luxury while preserving original features like the brick archways and jail bars, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to honoring Sanford’s rich history. -
Seminole County: Best Fine Dining:
Within its first year, The Old Jailhouse earned the title of Best Fine Dining in Seminole County, a testament to its innovative menu crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. -
Scott Joseph’s Best New Restaurant:
Renowned food critic Scott Joseph praised The Old Jailhouse for its creative approach to fine dining, naming it the Best New Restaurant. This recognition put the establishment on the map as a must-visit venue for food enthusiasts. -
Scott Joseph’s Best Overall Restaurant:
Excellence in food, service, and ambiance earned the restaurant this additional accolade, further cementing its status as a top dining spot.
2020: Standing Out Amid Challenges
-
Orlando City Magazine: Best New Restaurant:
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, The Old Jailhouse continued to thrive, earning this prestigious recognition for maintaining its high standards of quality and service.
2021: Consistency in Excellence
-
Seminole County: Best Fine Dining:
For the second consecutive year, The Old Jailhouse claimed the title of Best Fine Dining, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. -
Seminole County: Best Bartender:
This award highlighted the skill and creativity of The Old Jailhouse’s mixologists, whose signature cocktails perfectly complement the restaurant’s innovative menu.
2022: A Year of Continued Success
-
Seminole County: Best Fine Dining:
Winning this accolade for the third consecutive year underscored the restaurant’s sustained excellence in cuisine and customer service. -
Seminole County: Top 10 Best Overall:
The Old Jailhouse’s inclusion in the county’s Top 10 Best Overall establishments was a testament to its all-around excellence in food, service, and ambiance.
2023: Reaching New Heights
-
Seminole County: Best Overall Restaurant:
As a crowning achievement, The Old Jailhouse earned the title of Best Overall Restaurant in Seminole County, celebrating its consistent innovation, quality, and guest satisfaction. -
Seminole County: Top 10 Best Overall:
For the second consecutive year, the restaurant was named among the county’s Top 10 Best Overall establishments, further reinforcing its reputation as a standout dining destination. -
Sanford’s Choice: Patron’s Choice Award:
Voted on by loyal patrons, this award recognized The Old Jailhouse’s deep connection with the local community and its commitment to creating memorable guest experiences.
A Family-Driven Success Story
Maria’s attention to interior details, Anthony’s operational expertise, and Alex’s fresh ideas have combined to make The Old Jailhouse a standout destination. Their shared commitment to preserving the building’s history while crafting a vibrant, modern dining experience has created a space that resonates with both locals and visitors.
Plan Your Visit
Located at 113 Palmetto Ave., Sanford, FL 32771, The Old Jailhouse welcomes guests for:
-
Dinner: Monday–Wednesday, 5 PM–9 PM
-
Extended Hours: Thursday–Friday, 11:30 AM–2 PM and 5 PM–Close
-
All-Day Service: Saturday, 11:30 AM–Close
-
Closed Sundays
For reservations or more information, visit theoldjailhousesanford.com or call 407-548-6964.
A One-of-a-Kind Experience
Whether you’re savoring Sun Belt-inspired dishes at the chef’s counter, enjoying cocktails in the courtyard, or exploring the historic charm of the dining spaces, The Old Jailhouse offers more than a meal—it delivers an unforgettable journey through history, flavor, and hospitality.
Reservations and Inquiries:
Call: 407-548-6964
Visit: www.theoldjailhousesanford.com
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Construction Leader Charles Wholey Partakes in A New Online Interview: “From Foundation to Finish”
Nevada, US, 2nd May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Charles Wholey, a highly respected construction superintendent with deep roots in Nevada’s building industry, is the subject of a newly released feature interview titled “From Foundation to Finish: Inside the Mind of Builder Charles Wholey.” The in-depth conversation offers a compelling look into Wholey’s professional journey, leadership philosophy, and the principles that have shaped his approach to modern construction.
Known for his work on complex residential and commercial builds throughout Reno and Carson City, Wholey brings years of hands-on experience and academic achievement to his role as Construction Superintendent at LT Builders. The interview explores everything from his views on decision-making under pressure to the evolving future of sustainable construction.
“I want people to understand that construction isn’t just about the physical outcome—it’s about the people behind the project, the lessons learned, and the standards we uphold every day,” said Wholey. “This interview was a chance to talk about the values that drive me, both on and off the job site.”
The conversation touches on Charles’s background—growing up working for his father’s company, Wholey Construction—as well as his dedication to mentorship, quality control, and continuous improvement. Readers will also learn about his vision for future projects, including his dream of building sustainable, off-grid communities.
This interview positions Charles Wholey as not only a seasoned construction professional, but a thoughtful leader committed to elevating the industry.
About Charles Wholey
Charles Wholey is a construction superintendent based in Reno and Carson City, Nevada. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management from Western Nevada College, graduating summa cum laude, and has served in key roles ranging from safety officer to project manager. Outside of work, he is active in his community and a passionate supporter of environmental and youth initiatives.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Mentorship Over Metrics: Marjorie Jeffrey on Redefining Leadership for Women in Marketing
Michigan, US, 2nd May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, As marketing departments race to keep pace with AI, automation, and changing consumer expectations, senior marketing strategist Marjorie Jeffrey says the most significant transformation isn’t happening in the tools marketers use; it’s in how future leaders are developed.
According to Marjorie Jeffrey, mentorship is no longer optional. “If we want more women in leadership, we need to stop treating mentorship as a bonus and start recognizing it as core to how strong, ethical, and inclusive teams are built,” she says.
Jeffrey, who has guided dozens of companies through brand transformations and campaign strategy over the past 15 years, now dedicates a significant portion of her time to mentoring early-career marketers, especially women. She believes that creating the next generation of leadership requires intentional relationship-building, open dialogue, and systems that reward collaboration over competition.
“Marketing has evolved, but the leadership models in many organizations haven’t,” Jeffrey explains. “We’re still valuing output and volume over strategic insight and emotional intelligence. Mentorship is one of the few ways to shift that culture from the inside out.”
While women make up the majority of entry-level marketing roles, Jeffrey points out that they remain underrepresented at the top. “There’s a persistent gap between who’s doing the work and who’s getting the recognition, and that gap only widens without meaningful support structures like mentorship,” she says.
According to Jeffrey, mentorship is especially critical for women navigating industries like tech, finance, or B2B services, where leadership still skews heavily male. She believes the most effective mentors offer more than tactical advice; they provide context, validation, and space for vulnerable conversations about imposter syndrome, negotiation, and self-advocacy.
“People assume mentorship is just about sharing expertise, but often it’s about reminding someone they belong in the room,” says Jeffrey. “I’ve had mentees who were brilliant marketers but struggled to see themselves as leaders. Mentorship helps close that gap between capability and confidence.”
Jeffrey encourages companies to treat mentorship as part of their strategic planning, not a side initiative. She advocates for formal mentorship programs, cross-level collaboration, and reverse mentorship structures where junior employees can share emerging insights with senior leaders.
“If mentorship only happens casually, it stays limited to people with the right networks or personalities to ask for help,” Jeffrey explains. “We need to institutionalize it, especially if we want to foster diversity in leadership. That means giving people the time, training, and tools to mentor well.”
Jeffrey works with organizations in her consulting practice to embed mentorship into their brand cultures, tying it directly to employee retention, leadership pipelines, and internal communications. She often conducts messaging audits and internal workshops to make mentorship more actionable and accessible across teams.
“Mentorship has measurable impact,” she says. “It improves job satisfaction, accelerates career progression, and helps companies retain talent, especially during times of rapid change. Why wouldn’t we prioritize that?”
Jeffrey also emphasizes the importance of storytelling in mentorship. As someone who builds audience-first marketing strategies, she sees narrative as a powerful leadership tool. “When women in leadership share their real stories, the wins and the mistakes, it humanizes success,” she notes. “That vulnerability builds trust and makes leadership seem possible for more people.”
Outside of her client work, Jeffrey frequently speaks on inclusive messaging and brand ethics at industry conferences. She’s building a mentorship circle specifically for mid-career women marketers navigating transitions into management, entrepreneurship, or specialized strategic roles.
“There’s so much support for entry-level talent, but mid-career is where many women drop off the leadership path,” says Jeffrey. “We need to intervene there, with mentorship that’s practical, flexible, and grounded in real experiences.”
For Jeffrey, mentorship is not just a leadership responsibility. It’s a way of investing in the industry’s future. She believes that as marketing becomes more human-centric and purpose-driven, the role of mentors will become even more essential.
“The real legacy of a marketing leader isn’t just in the campaigns they run, it’s in the people they shape,” she says. “If I can help even one person lead with more clarity, confidence, and compassion, that’s the kind of impact that lasts.”
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Nashville Protest Demands End to Electroshock: CCHR Calls for Ban on Outdated Mental Health Practice
Nashville, Tennessee, 2nd May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR), a global mental health watchdog, will host a public protest in Nashville in May, in observance of the International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment. The event aims to raise awareness about the continued use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as electroshock, and to advocate for legislative action to ban the practice, particularly on children and vulnerable populations.
Highlighting the Risks and Lack of Efficacy of Electroshock
Electroconvulsive therapy involves passing up to 460 volts of electricity through the brain to induce seizures, a procedure that has been associated with serious risks, including brain damage, cognitive impairment, permanent memory loss, prolonged or persistent seizures, worsening psychiatric symptoms, cardiovascular complications, breathing complications, and death, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Despite these risks, ECT continues to be administered to an estimated 100,000 Americans annually, including children as young as five. A recent study found that 69% of teenagers who received electroshock suffered memory impairment after the procedure.
Furthermore, research indicates that ECT may not be effective in reducing suicide risk. A study published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica found that patients who received electroshock were 44 times more likely to die by suicide than people in the general population.
Calls for Legislative Action
CCHR is calling on lawmakers to enact legislation banning the use of electroshock, particularly on children and individuals who have not provided informed consent. This aligns with recent guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, which calls for the prohibition of ECT on children and emphasizes that nonconsensual ECT may constitute a human rights abuse.
About the Citizens Commission on Human Rights
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights is a nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonreligious mental health watchdog organization founded in 1969. CCHR is dedicated to eradicating abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enacting patient and consumer protections. For more information about the protest, please contact: cchrnashville.org.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
-
Press Release2 days ago
Safetyvalue Trading Center Launches Mobile App V2 With Biometric Login and Real-Time Alerts
-
Press Release1 week ago
The Illusion of Change — A Bold Philosophical Reflection by Adrian Gabriel Dumitru Challenges the True Nature of Transformation
-
Press Release1 week ago
Raven Keiara named Los Angeles finalist for 2025 August Wilson New Voices Monologue Competition
-
Press Release1 week ago
Champion Window Tinting Announces Cutting-Edge Solutions for Energy Savings and Privacy Enhancement
-
Press Release6 days ago
Cloom Tech Offers OEM Wire Harness Manufacturing Solutions
-
Press Release3 days ago
New Kindle Edition Book PERCEPTIONS Philosophical Essays About the Illusion of the Self’ Challenges Readers to Explore Life’s Meaning Through Contradictory Perspectives
-
Press Release6 days ago
Eiotclub: Smart IoT Solutions for a Connected World
-
Press Release6 days ago
Helical IT Solutions Releases Helical Insight 5.2.3, Introducing Advanced Statistical Charts and Enhanced Embedding Features