ORLANDO—In the biggest lease deal in Orlando's Central Business District since the recession, Red Lobster is relocating its restaurant support center and headquarters to CNL Tower 1. The company has leased 91,226 square feet of office space in the tower.

Red Lobster expects to move into the Downtown Orlando office building by early 2015, bringing over 300 jobs to the urban core. Red Lobster also plans to hire another 70 employees over the next two years.

"Red Lobster has deep roots in Central Florida, and we are committed to remaining part of this dynamic, vibrant community," said Kim Lopdrup, CEO of Red Lobster. "The CNL building in Downtown Orlando is the perfect place to begin this next chapter in our history because it allows Red Lobster to be at the heart of a growing business area and provides employees with access to the best parts of the city."

Red Lobster will occupy three full floors of CNL Tower I, as well as have a custom-built, state-of-the-art culinary development center on the ground floor. The move makes Red Lobster one of Downtown Orlando's largest employers. CNL Financial Group, the Orlando Utilities Commission, the Orlando Magic, Wells Fargo, and the City of Orlando are the others.

"Having an Orlando-based company's headquarters moving to downtown is a tremendous validation of all the work that has gone into making the heart of Orlando more attractive for businesses and residents,” says Paul Ellis, group president of CNL Commercial Real Estate. "I anticipate that we will see additional companies looking at Downtown Orlando in the coming months given the growing amenity base and the increased transportation options like SunRail.”

Alex Rosario and Paul Reynolds from CNL represented the landlord, CNL. Sean McConnell from McConnell Capital represented Red Lobster in the transaction.

"Downtown is seeing more activity than ever before,” says Reynolds. “With the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts nearing completion, Creative Village gaining momentum and the excitement around the future Orlando City soccer stadium, there is a growing buzz about downtown, which is translating to increased business interest.”