COCOA, Fla. – The Vintage Vault, the 1920s-themed restaurant and lounge that brought live music, craft cocktails and a speakeasy feel to Historic Cocoa Village, has closed its doors after the City of Cocoa determined its historic building is unsafe and ordered the business to vacate.
The family-run business announced the news Tuesday in a heartfelt message to what it calls its “Vintage Vault family,” saying the city ordered them out of the building over life safety concerns and that they cannot reopen or welcome guests back under the current conditions.
“This is an update we never imagined we would have to write, and finding the right words has been incredibly difficult,” the owners wrote.
A family’s labor of love
The Vintage Vault began welcoming guests with soft openings this spring and held its grand opening in June at 114 Harrison Street, inside the historic building that once housed Barnett Bank. Owners Victoria and Frank Fuentes, alongside their sons John and Andrew, spent months restoring the building, preserving bank-era architectural details while turning it into a two-floor dining room and lounge, Florida Today reported ahead of the opening.
The original bank vault became one of the venue’s signature features, housing cocktail rooms, while an upstairs mezzanine offered small-plate dining and a stage for live jazz and local performers, according to Hoodline. The menu leaned into Roaring Twenties bar fare such as pimento cheese plates, smoked fish and shrimp cocktail. FOX 35 Orlando featured the restaurant shortly after it opened.
Before opening, Victoria Fuentes said the family wanted to create a warm, social gathering place for Cocoa Village and was taking its time to get it right.
In Tuesday’s announcement, the family wrote that the building’s “history, character, and beauty” were part of what made the Vault special. “We poured our hearts into bringing her to life, and so many of you fell in love with her right alongside us,” they wrote.
Sold-out nights in just a few months
In the roughly four months since its grand opening, the Vault quickly became a destination for themed events, hosting multiple sold-out nights promoted by MyCityEvents Space Coast, led by Brian Goins. Several upcoming events, including the Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, had already sold out in advance before the building issues forced the venue to close.
Goins shared the family’s farewell message on Tuesday, calling the Fuentes family amazing owners he is proud to call his friends.
“They will be at a new place soon making magic happen,” Goins said.
From an emergency to a closure
The trouble began earlier this month, when the owners said an unexpected building issue arose during a regular dinner service, forcing them to make immediate decisions to protect guests and staff. In an Oct. 10 post, the family thanked the City of Cocoa for responding quickly and said refunds would be processed for guests who had purchased tickets to the venue’s Oct. 10 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater.
“We may not know exactly what tomorrow brings, but tonight, we are deeply grateful that our guests and staff are safe and can lay their heads on their pillows at home,” they wrote at the time.
Following inspections, the city determined the building is not safe to occupy. The owners said they stand behind every determination the city made and credited officials for the care they took to protect guests, staff and the community.
“As heartbreaking as this outcome is, everyone’s safety must come first,” the family wrote.
The owners said the property owner has been informed and they are waiting to learn what comes next. They do not have a reopening date or a confirmed new location.
Staff facing hardship ahead of the holidays
The family devoted much of its message to the employees who lost their jobs with the closure, noting that the team now faces an unexpected hardship with the holidays approaching. They asked the community to thank former staff members if they run into them around town.
“Tell them about the wonderful evening they helped create, the drink you loved, or the way they made you feel welcome,” the owners wrote. “A little kindness and recognition would mean so much.”
Former bartender Jenna Matthews responded to the post, writing that she enjoyed every minute of bartending at the Vault and thanking the owners for the memories and the chance to be part of something awesome.
The owners also thanked the musicians, performers and artists who took their stage, saying live music and supporting the arts remain central to who they are, and urged the community to keep following those artists and showing up to their performances.
Several performers returned the sentiment. Musician Stephen Lomazzo wrote that he always enjoyed performing there and that the owners and crew were always top notch with performers. Justin McLeod thanked the family for welcoming him on their stage and said he felt welcomed from the first time he walked in.
An outpouring of support
The announcement drew dozens of comments from customers, neighboring business owners and community members within hours.
Connie Lynn credited the family with being an asset to the wider district, noting that the Vault regularly promoted Cocoa Village and informed guests about events at other local businesses.
Other guests recalled anniversaries, date nights and evenings spent listening to live music. One longtime banking professional wrote that she loved touring the actual bank vault. Jacqueline Stats, writing on behalf of herself and Black Market, told Victoria Fuentes that she had made an impact and succeeded in a down market, and could do it all again.
“You guys did an amazing job,” wrote Jon Scott Santy. “I’m certain you will find a place to recreate what you’ve done.”
‘The love and determination’ remain
Despite the uncertainty, the family made clear they do not consider this the end of their story in Brevard County.
“We intend to rise again and create something spectacular,” they wrote. “We need time to work through the uncertainty, but the love and determination behind The Vintage Vault are still here.”
The owners asked supporters to watch their social media pages for updates, adding: “Don’t be surprised if we pop up somewhere with something big when the time is right.”
A thank-you graphic the family shared with the announcement put it simply: “Our story isn’t over.”
No matter where they land, The Space Coast Rocket will keep the community updated and ensure that everyone knows where they can come and enjoy this family’s next venture.
Criminal Defense
Bankruptcy · Evictions
WICKS LAW P.A.
Call or text for
free consult
321-733-2700
Eric Wicks, Esq.
1250 West Eau Gallie Blvd. G
Melbourne, FL 32935
Abogado Wicks habla español
