Hamburger Mary’s, the drag–show-themed restaurant that successfully fought Gov. Ron DeSantis in court, is leaving what one owner called “sleepy” downtown Orlando.

The eatery’s last day at 110 W. Church St. will be June 2.

Co-owner John Paonessa said he is hunting for a new location and would like to reopen during the first week of July.

“We are hoping people will enjoy a better experience at the new location with hopefully a bigger stage and more room to show everybody what we got,” he said Thursday.

Hamburger Mary’s has been on Church Street for 16 years, serving an estimated 2 million people during that time, according to a social media post about the move. The restaurant is known for its drag performances.

Paonessa listed several factors for the decision to move, including fewer office workers downtown with the rise of remote work and the lack of on-site parking.

“Downtown Orlando has been great to us,” Paonessa wrote in his social media post. “However, times have changed. The hustle and bustle of Downtown Orlando has given way to a sleepy city with few people working downtown and opting for remote.”

In May 2023, Hamburger Mary’s sued DeSantis and state officials in federal court over a new “Protection of Children” law prohibiting minors from attending “adult live performances” that feature sexual or lewd conduct.

The suit alleged the state violated the restaurant’s First Amendment rights by forcing them to ban children from what the restaurant called family-friendly drag shows on Sundays, resulting in a 20% drop in bookings.

The legal battle took a toll with heated political rhetoric accusing drag performers of “grooming” children, Paonessa said.

“It is slanderous, and it has really hurt our business,” Paonessa said. “These are state officials destroying businesses and people’s lives without a care.”

The law does not specifically mention drag shows, but establishments could be fined or lose business and liquor licenses if they allow children to attend performances that include lewd exposure to “prosthetic genitals and breasts.”

A federal district court sided with the restaurant, ruling the law likely was overbroad and ran afoul of the First Amendment. In November, the U.S. Supreme Court declined the state’s request to allow for enforcement of the law, a decision that focused on technicalities rather the core constitutional issues.

Hamburger Mary’s is the second establishment to close recently on Church Street, an entertainment hub near the Kia Center, a concert arena and home to the Orlando Magic basketball team.

Last month, the sports bar Harry Buffalo shut its doors.

Orlando city officials say they are working to help downtown restaurants. Recently, two new restaurants opened on Church Street — Bao Spot and Birria1983.

The city’s Downtown Development Board offers business assistance, including a program designed to attract new eateries and encourage restaurant expansions by reimbursing construction and rent expenses, city officials said.

“At the same time, we are working to bring more companies and professionals to downtown during the day, giving a boost to restaurants during breakfast, lunch and dinner service,” Doug Richards, the city’s director of community engagement and outreach, said in an emailed statement.

Travel + Leisure is moving its headquarters and more than 900 jobs into 501 W. Church St., near the Kia Center. City commissioners signed off this month on an incentive package of more than $6 million.

Paonessa said he’s been grateful for the response he has gotten on social media following his announcement that he will relocate.

“We are so overwhelmed by the love and support this community has given us,” he said. “It is the fuel that keeps us going.”