ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando police are working to solve a shooting Sunday afternoon at a restaurant crowded with people, many of them eating lunch after going to church.
What You Need To Know
Four teens were injured in a shooting at Sister Soul Food restaurant in Orlando
The community helped the restaurant reopen, and a vigil was held on Wednesday
Police say the shooting stemmed from a dispute among juveniles
Four teens were injured during the shooting inside the Sister Soul Food restaurant in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood, and one of the teens had life-threatening injuries.
Orlando police say detectives continue to investigate the shooting, and they ask anyone with information to contact them.
The restaurant reopened Wednesday with a wave of support from hungry, loyal customers. The owners say neighbors helped them repair their damaged front window and even replace a television shot by a bullet as they worked to reopen.
“It feels good to open back up and see the love that everybody’s showing us,” restaurant manager Brekencur Akins said.
A pastor and Parramore neighbors held a vigil and rallied around the owners as they opened their doors again.
“We didn’t expect this. You know, we thought the pastor was just going to come and pray this morning. Then we look out the door and saw all these people. We were like, ‘Oh my God’,“ Akins said.
Customers say they are shocked by the burst of violence at the restaurant, but they want to stand with owners of this popular gathering place.
Orlando police said earlier this week that their preliminary investigation indicates the shooting incident stemmed from a dispute involving other juveniles.
On Wednesday, State Attorney Monique Worrell said Sunday’s shootings come days after Orlando Police reported 10 homicides in 2025. That is a 68% drop from 2024 and the lowest murder rate since they started keeping records in 1971.
“I work hand in hand with our law enforcement partners to do everything we can to make sure we keep those numbers low,” she said.
As for the case at hand, Worrell said she could not offer any updates.
“It’s another open and ongoing case, and I cannot speak specifically about that case,” she said.
Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose represents District 5, including the Parramore neighborhood where the shooting happened. She says city leaders will continue to serve and help teens and families in the area.
“We will not let a bad situation define who we are,” she said. “We are making a lot of great progress in this community, and we’re unified. We are one community.”
Rose plans to meet with teens from Parramore and community leaders Thursday afternoon to remind them what services are available for young people and to invite people to become mentors to make a difference.