Mellow Mushroom to Open Up in 'town Space??

Gonzo · April 04, 2012, 10:52:18 AM

Quote from: ben says on April 04, 2012, 10:09:03 AM
Not to mention "Riverside" and "Breweries" and "lots of beer" are three phrases that are quickly becoming synonymous. YAY.

Particularly with the opening of Dahlia's Pour House, Carmine's new concept, the new Walker's concept, and now MM. This is a very good thing for craft beer in Jax.

BTW, I hope everyone is participating in Jax Craft Beer week!

Dashing Dan · April 04, 2012, 10:53:29 AM

It's not the chain part that concerns me so much as the food.

At a gas station or truck stop I would feel safer eating at a McDonalds than at a nonbranded restaurant. But in a setting like Avondale, I'd rather go local.

cline · April 04, 2012, 10:54:33 AM

Is the guy opening up the MM in Avondale a local?

mtraininjax · April 04, 2012, 10:57:02 AM

QuoteI'm with you man. Just throwing it out there since we were talking about chains. But you're right. The truth is most chains are owned by local people (franchisees) who live within the community.

Just so we are all clear, the following have more than 1 location, within Jacksonville area as well:

Barber Shop - other location in Ponte Vedra.
Biscotti's - Same team of owners as BB's in San Marco
Underwood's - San Marco office as well as others
Pulp - (not yet open) but another store in San Marco
Yobe - Location at the beaches among others
Mojo's - 3 others locally
Edible Arrangements

If I have left any off, please be sure to crucify me and update them. Thanks,

Gonzo · April 04, 2012, 10:57:34 AM

Quote from: cline on April 04, 2012, 10:54:33 AM
Is the guy opening up the MM in Avondale a local?

Most likely. I know the guys that have some of the others are. I would bet that it is the same folks.

cline · April 04, 2012, 10:59:28 AM

Open Road would also be considered a local chain.

mtraininjax · April 04, 2012, 10:59:49 AM

QuoteIs the guy opening up the MM in Avondale a local?

Yes, the owner is native and local Jax. He is even a member of the mug club at Intuition. You might just see him there one fine afternoon. He and his family have had the franchise here in Jax for many years, and they are good for Jax.

blizz01 · April 04, 2012, 11:01:59 AM

Wow - I guess EVERYONE would have boycotted 7-11 - pretty sure they're a chain.

mtraininjax · April 04, 2012, 11:07:43 AM

From the MM website on Franchising:

QuoteThe Restaurant typically is a free standing unit or in a strip mall in a commercial area. It is approximately 4,000 to 6,000 square feet. The Restaurantâ€™s size will depend on many factors, including the ability to place coolers and freezers outside the Restaurant and the number of seats we require.

Anyone know the number of seats required by MM? Each location is different, but John and his family seem to have a lot of seats on the Southside, Fleming Island and at the beach. I don't plan to sit in the gas station, if that is the new seating. Seems more likely to make the gas station parking, than anything else. But the shoe side will probably go away. Maybe even Underwood's at some point too.

Where would you have ever thought to see an Underwood's next to a Mellow Mushroom? If they had that space too, that would really be a large space, they could then rent the Prudential lot as well and then, there would be a lot more parking at night.

mtraininjax · April 04, 2012, 11:10:52 AM

http://www.mellowfranchise.com/mellow-stories#video-option

The owners of the local Jacksonville market are featured on the Mellow Mushroom site, so it is common and public knowledge. Nice video as well. Say hi to John or his family if you see him on the streets or at Intuition!

cline · April 04, 2012, 11:18:42 AM

So is the actual MM restaurant going into 'town/shoe store with parking in the gas station parking lot? Are they planning on utilizing the actual gas station building as well? Just wondering what the configuration will be.

Jimmy · April 04, 2012, 11:25:15 AM

I took a long look at it last night when I was getting yobe. MM would do well to feature some outdoor seating. With the former gas station's service bays left open, maybe they could do "outdoor" seating in there?

mtraininjax · April 04, 2012, 11:29:28 AM

QuoteSo is the actual MM restaurant going into 'town/shoe store with parking in the gas station parking lot? Are they planning on utilizing the actual gas station building as well? Just wondering what the configuration will be.

Right now, that is the $64,000 question. How will the Gas Station and parking area be incorporated into the MM design. MM will have their own people design the space, but since this is RAP-land, the changes will probably have to go through the dreaded COA process on the outside, obviously 'town's name will come off, but how they change the layout will be interesting. Again, since they are leasing, I'd rather they push Underwood's out on the other side as well to increase the space, but Underwood's has been there a LONG time, so not sure what their lease is like, but I am sure we will all know more over the next few weeks. There IS outdoor seating at 'town now.

If it were me, I'd rather leave the Gas Station alone, use the parking lot and look to the left for expansion, rather than touch the unknowns of the station.

cline · April 04, 2012, 11:32:04 AM

Will the parking at the gas station become MM-only parking or will it remain shared?

ben says · April 04, 2012, 12:15:25 PM

I would like to see the gas station incorporated into some sort of extension of the restaurant/outdoor seating. I understand the utility of parking lots. But aesthetically, they drive me insane. As long as the integrity of both buildings remain in tact, I'm OK.