About Us

Voted the #1 Restaurant In Davenport, and The Best Smokehouse In Central Florida, we guarantee Ovation Bistro & Bar will never disappoint you! We look forward to serving you and thank you in advance for giving us the chance.

Our Story

Joel and Fernando are the proud owners and founders of Ovation Bistro & Bar, a concept built right here in the heart of Polk County. What started as a shared dream between two brothers has grown into a beloved local brand, made possible by their incredible team of managers and “Ovationers” who bring passion and hospitality to every guest experience.

Joel & Fernando Serving A Table Inside Ovation

Born and raised in Haines City, Florida, Joel and Fernando come from a humble and hardworking migrant family. Their childhood was shaped by long days in the fields, traveling across the country with the seasons—spending summers up north in places like Indiana and New York, and the rest of the year working in Florida’s orange groves. Those early experiences instilled in them a deep respect for hard work, perseverance, and family—values that remain at the core of everything they do today. In every Ovation location, you’ll find photos of their parents working in the fields—a powerful reminder that with determination and sacrifice, anything is possible.

We both served in the Army, and are Combat Veterans

After graduating from Haines City High School, both brothers proudly served in the military. When they returned home, they carried with them not only discipline and resilience, but also a shared vision: to build something meaningful in the community that raised them.

That vision came to life in late 2014, during a simple moment at home while smoking brisket. What started as a conversation quickly turned into a bold idea—to create a restaurant that combined the rich flavors of BBQ with the elevated feel of a steakhouse. They wanted more than just great food; they envisioned a place where guests could enjoy a full dining experience—complete with a welcoming atmosphere, a curated wine list, a full bar, specialty coffees, and indulgent desserts.

Pictures of Joel & Fernando, who both served in the Army

Taking a leap of faith, they opened their first Ovation Bistro & Bar in a small strip mall in Davenport. With grit, passion, and unwavering belief, they turned that small beginning into something much greater. Today, Ovation has expanded to multiple locations across Polk County, including Winter Haven and Lakeland, becoming a staple in the communities they proudly serve.

Building on that success—and honoring their roots in an even more personal way—Joel and Fernando went on to open several Margarita’s Cocina Mexicana restaurants. Named after their mother, Margarita, these restaurants are a heartfelt tribute to her legacy. Each dish is inspired by her authentic family recipes, bringing generations of tradition, culture, and love to the table. Margarita’s isn’t just another concept—it’s a celebration of family, heritage, and the flavors that shaped their lives.

From working the fields as children to building thriving restaurant brands, Joel and Fernando’s journey is a true reflection of hard work, faith, and the belief that the American dream is real. Their story lives on in every plate served, every guest welcomed, and every community they continue to grow in.

Collage of Ovation Bistro & Bar Openings

Serving More Than Just Meals: How the Ovation Bistro Foundation Gives Back

At Ovation Bistro & Bar, great food is only part of the story. Through the Ovation Bistro Foundation, giving back to the Polk County community isn’t just something we do, it’s something we believe in.

To date, the Ovation Bistro Foundation has contributed over 200,000 meals to Feeding America Tampa Bay, helping fight food insecurity across Central Florida. But our impact doesn’t stop there.

We’ve supported dozens of local charities, awarded scholarships to students, and donated food to high schools, the Sheriff’s Office, and community organizations across the region. From serving BBQ to first responders to helping students achieve their dreams, our mission is simple: be a place that brings people together, inside and outside our restaurants.