If you’ve felt the energy buzzing a little louder in downtown Clermont lately, The Station might be the reason. The newly renamed restaurant, bar and live-music venue has been open only a few weeks, but steady crowds, packed music nights and rave reviews suggest it’s already becoming a community favorite.

The Station, located at 750 W. Desoto Street, officially opened Nov. 6 after longtime venue Clermont Brewing Company (CBC) changed ownership. The former CBC space, a downtown staple since 2019, was purchased by new owner Bob Zimmardo after what General Manager Jessica Kelyman describes as “pretty much a whim.”

“Bob walked in here on a random Saturday night,” she says. “He was asking all kinds of questions, and I finally said, ‘Do you want to buy it?’ I told him, ‘If you do, you’ve got to make an offer by Monday.’” 

Bob sent the offer that Monday, took over on October 31 and the rest is history.

Jessica says Bob, a former musician, wanted a place where the community could enjoy great food, great music and dancing.  

“He’s very connected with the music world,” she says. “And it seems like all the amazing talent knows him. They’ve followed him here. Everybody loves live music, and it’s been such a hit that we’re adding more of it.”

To introduce himself, Bob posted a warm message on social media thanking Clermont for the early support and giving credit to his wife, Gail, who handles the décor and the eye-catching photos that help set the vibe. Jessica says the community response has been strong from the very beginning.

“People have been so excited,” she says. “We’ve heard so much great feedback, and we’re already seeing full houses on music nights. That tells us people want a fun place to hang out, dance, hear good bands and watch games.”

The Station’s weekly lineup has grown quickly. Full bands now play Wednesday through Saturday from 8–11 p.m. On Sundays, brunch is served starting at 11am followed by live entertainment and Tuesday nights are set aside for karaoke.

For now, the venue is closed on Mondays, a change the owners recently announced to give their small, family-run team a weekly day to rest and recharge. 

“We want to keep everyone refreshed and at their best,” says a Facebook post on The Station’s page.

Football fans have also found a new home at The Station. Tampa Bay games have been especially popular, complete with drink specials and a big-screen 16-foot LED wall setup.

 “We really want to make this a watch-party spot,” Jessica says, adding that there are now two pool tables located in the back patio.

While the atmosphere draws people in, the updated menu is keeping them there.

“The smash burger is the rave right now,” Jessica says. “I went to the grocery store four times this weekend to keep up. We also smoke the wings and then flash-fry them and those have been a huge hit.”

Some Clermont Brewing Company favorites stayed, including the buffalo chicken dip, the chicken club and pretzel bites, but most of the menu is new, featuring fish dip, fresh sandwiches, pizza, salads and upgraded bar classics. 

“We’ve heard great feedback,” Jessica says. “Everyone’s been happy. That means everything to us.”

The Station is only getting started. Several upgrades are already underway:

• The old brewery will become the new kitchen, allowing for a larger menu and better flow.
• The patio will be enclosed and air-conditioned with sliding doors that can be opened for year-round comfort.
• More seating will be added once the kitchen moves.
• Local brews will expand, including plans to add Suncreek Brewery beers on tap.
• The back area is now pet-friendly, something customers ask about often.

“We want to support local places and give people more of what they enjoy,” Jessica says.

Perhaps the biggest sign of success is how long customers stay.

“They’re not just stopping in and leaving,” Jessica says. “They’re hanging out for hours, listening to music, talking, dancing, watching the games. That’s exactly what we hoped for.”

She says the team feels energized by the momentum and by the leadership Bob brings.

“He’s literally one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever met,” she says. “He genuinely cares about the staff and the people coming in to support us. We all adore him.”

The Station is well on its way to becoming a long-term downtown staple.

Interest from bands that want to be part of The Station’s 2026 lineup is also exploding. So much so, that there is now a dedicated booking link—https://www.thestationbands.com/— for submitting inquiries.

“We’re just excited for everyone to come in and see what’s new,” Jessica says. “Thank you for sticking with us, supporting us and believing in what we’re creating here,” a statement on Facebook reads.

Photos by Roxanne Brown and provided