Shoppes at Maitland marks 25 years

Not a lot has changed in Maitland in the past 25 years, Andreas Afxendio said. The Wells Fargo was a Barnett Bank. The vacant Winn Dixie building was a Gooding’s Supermarket back then. Where the So Napa Restaurant is preparing to open once stood a Steak & Ale.

Such was the landscape when local developer Frank Cannon developed the Shoppes at Maitland in 1986. Afxendio was looking for a home to launch his unique blend of authentic Greek cuisine and roasted rotisserie chicken. The two hit it off, and Afxendio signed a lease for Athena Roasted Chicken becoming the Shoppes’ first tenant.

The Mail and Package Station, a Shoppes tenant for nearly nine years, has recently changed hands. New owner Ken Garrity purchased the The Mail and Package Station in part because of the quality the Shoppes at Maitland. The former corporate relocation specialist had his pick of opportunities. “This shopping center was one of the reasons I purchased the business,” Garrity said. He said it has good ingress and egress, and a consistently well-maintained and loyal tenant base.

To mark the occasion of 25 years at the Shoppes of Maitland, Athena’s, The Mail & Package Station and other tenants have organized a community celebration. The Great Maitland Muscle Car and Antique Auto Show is planned for Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon to 4 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy food samples from Athena’s, Firehouse Subs and Einstein Bros. Bagels and live music and a sidewalk sale.