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Photo by Jacky Morrison from Social Dancers Group on Facebook
Good Times Rolls On: Maitland Bar Saved by Surprise Donor
What started as a bittersweet farewell quickly turned into a second chance for one of Maitland’s favorite local hangouts. On May 20th, Good Times Bar & Grill announced it would be closing its doors, citing personal career demands and an unexpected $75,000 in repair costs. The heartfelt post came from co-owner David Axel, who shared that both he and his business partner, David Mander, could no longer dedicate the time and resources required to keep the business going.
The plan was to host one final party and go out on a high note. But the community had other ideas.
By May 27th, Good Times surprised followers with a new announcement: it would not be closing after all. Co-owner David Mander told The Orlando Life that while the venue’s GoFundMe campaign raised $2,200 from nine contributors (an amount far short from what was needed), another opportunity presented itself. A private donor stepped up to contribute $30,000 to reopen the doors and keep the music playing.
That donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, will receive 9.33% equity in the venue, marking the first outside investment since Mander and Axel opened Good Times one year ago. The contribution brings the total invested into the venue to $280,000, well beyond the partners’ original $150,000 cap.
“We are grateful for the community support, and the $30K gave us a chance to keep going,” said Mander. “But this doesn't solve everything. It just gives us some breathing room.”
Good Times was originally launched by Axel and Mander, who are bandmates in Midnight Mayhem, with a vision to create a live music venue that put entertainment first. They took over the space after Fredster’s closed, aiming to build something musicians would be proud to play in and locals would love to return to. With a state-of-the-art stage and lighting setup, they quickly built a reputation as one of the few places in Central Florida championing live, original music.
Photo by Jacky Morrison
Photo by Jacky Morrison
But behind the joy of packed dance floors and high-energy shows, the business model strained. “We’ve operated this almost like a nonprofit,” Mander said. “We don’t charge cover. We let original bands keep 100% of their ticket sales. And many guests come in, stay for hours, and only buy a soda or a glass of water.”
He added that while tipping staff generously is appreciated, it doesn’t help cover rent, entertainment costs, or major repairs, such as the $75,000 in facility improvements needed.
As a result of the recent experience, the partners are actively exploring new approaches to ensure sustainability. One idea on the table: selling additional equity shares based on the same valuation as the recent investment of $30,000 for 9.33% ownership. “Now that the doors are once again open, we’re considering whether community-supported ownership might be the path forward.”
For patrons like Julie Dalessandro, who also spoke to The Orlando Life, the venue is life giving. “It’s a safe and joyful place where people of all ages come together to dance and feel seen,” she said. “You walk in and someone will introduce themselves. It’s that kind of place.”
Looking ahead, the business will continue shifting toward an event-based model with fewer open hours, more curated shows, and likely a cover charge to help support the music and the mission. “Time will tell if people are still willing to support the venue when it requires a little more from them,” said Mander. “But overall, my heart is in continuing to provide the best entertainment venue in the area.”
Photo by Jacky Morrison
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