OCALA, Fla. (WCJB) – The World Equestrian Center celebrated the grand opening of its new ‘Equestrian Manor,’ a four-story venue that adds restaurants and event space to the ever-expanding complex.
Located off 80th Street near the front of the property, the Equestrian Manor introduces four new restaurant concepts led by internationally trained chefs.
The new lineup includes The Polo Pony, an all-American style restaurant; Genevieve’s, an Italian concept; White Willow, an Asian fusion restaurant; and Emma’s Patisserie, offering desserts and pastries for a sweet treat after dining.
City leaders, local businesses and community members attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with WEC leadership pointing to continued growth across Ocala and Marion County as a driving force behind the expansion.
Mason Jordan, WEC’s Senior Director of Operations, said the addition of The Manor brings new employment opportunities to the area.
“The Equestrian Manor brings an additional 300 jobs to the community here in Marion County and we now have a little over 1,200 staff,” Jordan said. “This is a new opportunity for the community to come and enjoy anything we have to offer on the property.”
Jordan said The Manor also expands WEC’s options for hosting events, with flexible meeting spaces that can be used for weddings, business meetings and other community-led gatherings.
“In The Manor, we have the big ballroom, we also have the junior ballroom, we also have additional meeting spaces that are super flexible that way we can host really any kind of event, wedding, you name it we got it,” Jordan shared. “And our culinary is just one of the absolute gems of this property and were so excited to share it with the community.”
The expansion comes as some community concerns remain, including a lawsuit filed by Live Oak Stud in Ocala regarding WEC’s proposed sports complex.
RELATED: Live Oak Stud owner sues World Equestrian Center over Golden Ocala sports complex expansion plans
WEC leaders emphasized, however, that the Equestrian Manor is now fully open and operational.
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