OUR STORY

In 1823, two surveying parties, one traveling from St. Augustine and the other from Pensacola, set out to select a permanent capital for the Territory of Florida. When they reached a beautiful waterfall in what is now Cascades Park, they chose the nearby hill as the site of the future City of Tallahassee.

Nearly a century later, in 1921, the building that is now home to The Edison Restaurant was constructed as Tallahassee's second coal-fired power plant. As the city grew, so did its demand for electricity, and the facility eventually became too small to meet the community's needs. The building went on to serve many purposes over the years, including government offices and municipal storage, before sitting vacant and forgotten for decades.

Although time had taken its toll, the City of Tallahassee recognized the importance of preserving this remarkable structure. In the early 2000s, the building was stabilized, and in 2012 it was added to the Tallahassee-Leon County Register of Historic Places. Its next chapter began in 2015, when a group of local entrepreneurs carefully restored the historic power plant into the restaurant you see today. After years of thoughtful planning, design, and construction, The Edison Restaurant welcomed its first guests in September 2015.

The building was named in honor of Thomas Edison, whose innovations helped shape the modern world and whose appreciation for Florida made the name especially fitting for this historic landmark.

Today, the former power plant stands as a celebration of Tallahassee's history and Florida's enduring spirit. Original brick walls, exposed steel, and soaring industrial architecture have been thoughtfully preserved, allowing the building's character to shine while embracing modern craftsmanship. It serves as a reminder that meaningful places can be given new life without losing the stories they were built to tell.

Our menu reflects that same philosophy, celebrating Florida's rich agricultural heritage with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and scratch-made dishes inspired by the diverse flavors of our state. Every meal is an opportunity to honor the people, places, and traditions that make Florida unique.

We hope your visit offers more than just a memorable meal. We invite you to take in the history that surrounds you, enjoy the beauty of Cascades Park, and experience one of Tallahassee's most treasured historic landmarks.

Our mission is to celebrate the very best of Florida through genuine hospitality, exceptional food, and a deep appreciation for the place we call home.

Enjoy,

Adam & Ryan