Orange Crate Cafe's Rail Car Renovation Moves Full Steam Ahead

The box car on Pinellas Trail will have a whole new look by the time Tina Marie Avila is finished with it.

Her plans to transform the iconic trailside coffee, snack and gift shop at 349 Main St., into the Orange Crate Cafe, a fresh food venture between the owners of Casa Tina Fresh, Healthy, Authentic Mexican restaurant and Dunedin Harvest, are taking a little more time than she first anticipated, but it's because the old rail car needed a some extra TLC.

"When we first announced our opening date we did not realize what poor shape the box car was in," Avila wrote to Patch. "Therefore, we have gutted the building, have put in new walls, floor, plumbing, ceiling, and roof repair."

She said, at present, the coffee kitchen is being installed. 

Avila may be slightly behind schedule, but is still moving forward on original plans to start selling organic coffee, smoothies and pre-packed picnics, entertainment and trees. She originally projected a June opening, which is posted in the window of the rail car.

"We also have applied for the facade grant program and we will be painting, replacing awnings, and repairing walk and steps to the entrance of the rail car," Avila continued.

Avila also hopes to get additional outdoor seating, an application process that requires city commission review and approval.

As soon as Avila and her husband, Javier Avila, get the organic coffee house up and running, Bree Cheatham, a founder of the Dunedin Harvest Organic Food Co-Op, will manage operations.

The business is intended to support local growers both in menu items and through the direct sale of produce, Avila said.