Norwood's had its humble beginnings in New Smyrna Beach, not as a restaurant, but disguised as a Pan Am gas station and general store in 1929. In the ensuing years the site served as a mosquito control center, piggy bank factory, and then again a general store.
Earl Norwood bought the building in 1946 and turned it into Norwood's Seafood Restaurant, which he ran successfully until health forced him to retire. He sold Norwood's (already a tradition in New Smyrna Beach) to Mr. and Mrs. Bulchunis in 1953.
Norwood's
After 19 years of growth and continued success, the Bulchunis' sold Norwood's to Marvin Age, who carried on the tradition of fresh seafood and fine dining. The restaurant stayed the same until 1985, when Age expanded the building. Don Simmons joined Norwood's management team then, moving from Houlihan's Restaurant in Atlanta.
Simmons was already familiar with Norwood's, having worked in the kitchen while attending Daytona Beach Community College. He left to attend Florida State University in Tallahassee, but Age kept track of his progress and after graduation, brought him back as a manager.
One of Simmons' first tasks was on the demolition crew, not a job for which he was well qualified. But after a few hours, he found a natural talent for such things. An interest in woodworking inspired the diversity, but hospitality management was really his dream, and when Age decided to retire, Simmons seized the opportunity.
Under the leadership of Simmons and a carefully developed team, Norwood's has flourished and still serves the same great seafood, complemented by innovations such as:
Our facilities, food and beverage.
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