Meet Ram Atmakuri, a culinary aficionado, and the proud owner of three thriving restaurants that have truly become the heartbeat of Horizon West. Ram’s passion for food and his unwavering commitment to tantalize the palates of his patrons have established him as a culinary force within our community. In my conversation with this ambitious individual, his extraordinary journey unfolded, shedding light on the essence of his remarkable success.

Ram, originally hailing from Hyderabad, India, embarked on an adventurous path when he made the life-altering move to the United States in 1995, motivated by the dream of establishing his own IT enterprise. Fast-forward to 2014, now a family man with a wife and two daughters, Ram found his way to Windermere, in pursuit of fresh opportunities and a vibrant future for his loved ones. In 2018, inspired by a friend and mentor, he began investing in the Horizon West community.

The French Café, a delightful bistro that opened its doors in Hamlin in 2018, has since become a cherished local gem. Renowned for crafting every dish from scratch in-house, this charming café exudes the aroma of freshly baked croissants and the sizzle of expertly prepared crêpes. The menu caters to all tastes, offering mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches, buttery croissants, delectable quiche, and an array of crêpes that transport diners to the streets of Paris. The café also features a selection of popular drinks, including the rich Crème Brûlée latte and a mimosa flight, all delivering a taste of gourmet treasures found in the heart of France, right here in Horizon West.

In 2022, Ram, born in India, answered the call of his local friends and introduced his second restaurant, Naan Stop, to our area. With a deep connection to his cultural roots, Ram aimed to bring the vibrant and diverse flavors of India to our community. The Windermere Village restaurant enjoys the symphony of Indian cuisine, with dishes like butter chicken, garlic naan, lamb curry, and vegetarian chana masala. Each bite at Naan Stop offers a culinary journey from Ram’s homeland to our local tables.

Recently, Ram joined forces with the reputable name in the industry, Evoo, to open his latest venture. Evoo – Windermere (the acronym for extra virgin olive oil), offers a menu that tantalizes the taste buds. Dishes like the flavorful chicken shawarma sandwich, creamy hummus, and perfectly crisped falafel have quickly made it a culinary gem in Horizon West. Beyond serving Mediterranean cuisine, Ram aims to make a positive impact on the Windermere community by providing employment opportunities and establishing a hub for great food and healthy choices.

During our conversation, it became evident that Ram’s passion for food is closely intertwined with his commitment to giving back to his community. As Ram aptly concluded, “We have to live after we die.” His statement serves as a testament to the enduring impact of a well-lived life and the transformative power of entrepreneurial spirit, reminding us that our actions can leave legacies that continue to enrich and inspire long after we’re gone.

The French Café | 16412 New Independence Parkway Suite #140 | 407-500-4050 | Mon – Wed 7am-3pm; Thu – Sun 7am-7pm

Naan Stopp | 5845 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite #130 | 407-347-5487 | 7 Days a Week 11am-3pm & 5pm-10pm

EVOO Windermere | 5855 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Suite #160 | 407-347-3564 | Hours: 7 Days a Week 11am-9pm

About the Author

Jen is an Orlando area foodie, blogger and freelance writer based in Horizon West.
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