Peterbrooke Leaving San Marco for Brooklyn

[KenFSU]

Peterbrooke Chocolatier plans move to Brooklyn next year

Peterbrooke Chocolatier is planning a new factory and tourist destination in the quickly growing Brooklyn neighborhood. Andy Stenson, vice president of marketing for the candy maker, confirmed Friday the company will close the San Marco factory it's operated for almost 20 years and relocating to Brooklyn next year.

The new facility will be larger than its San Marco plant and include factory tours and a factory store. He has been working with Visit Florida, the state's tourism marketing organization, to make it a destination.

But he said the company had not planned to release any information until the beginning of the year and that he could not give further details or location.

Full (paid) story: http://jacksonville.com/business/2014-12-19/story/peterbrooke-chocolatier-plans-move-brooklyn-next-year

[fsujax]

Good win for Brooklyn.

[river4340]

 Sounds very cool, and it is interesting that we'll get a second chocolate factory/destination ....

[Tacachale]

Sad for San Marco, great for Peterbrook and Brooklyn. Good news for the urban core overall.

[CityLife]

Brooklyn is blowing up.

I wonder if Pete Behringer still owns any shares of Peterbrooke. He was still a minority owner when he opened Sweet Pete's. A little friendly competition never hurts.

[river4340]

the story doesn't say exactly where. wonder where it is ...

[ProjectMaximus]

The Peterbrooke building on San Marco Blvd has been for sale for quite some time. I guess this is all making sense now.

[brainstormer]

Great news!

My guess is this got let out of the bag prematurely. I would think that 220 Riverside would be perfect for a chocolate factory since Unity Plaza is already being promoted as a destination itself. I think Auchter had to kind of make up an answer on the spot. Since nothing except the restaurant has been announced for 220, I'm thinking there will be a big January announcement where all of the retailers will be announced together. All along they have been saying 220 will be focused on "local" retail and not chains. Peterbrooke fits perfectly with their overall concept.

Of course this is just my brain thinking out loud.

[thelakelander]

If I had to guess, I'd select one of those large warehouse buildings or sites along the Park Street corridor.

[river4340]

Great news!

My guess is this got let out of the bag prematurely. I would think that 220 Riverside would be perfect for a chocolate factory since Unity Plaza is already being promoted as a destination itself. I think Auchter had to kind of make up an answer on the spot. Since nothing except the restaurant has been announced for 220, I'm thinking there will be a big January announcement where all of the retailers will be announced together. All along they have been saying 220 will be focused on "local" retail and not chains. Peterbrooke fits perfectly with their overall concept.

Of course this is just my brain thinking out loud.

it does appear that Peterbrooke wasn't ready to release any info until the T-U found out. But I don't think there's space in 220 for it. It's just restaurant space and this would need to be a lot bigger.

[ProjectMaximus]

I would think that 220 Riverside would be perfect for a chocolate factory since Unity Plaza is already being promoted as a destination itself. I think Auchter had to kind of make up an answer on the spot. Since nothing except the restaurant has been announced for 220, I'm thinking there will be a big January announcement where all of the retailers will be announced together. All along they have been saying 220 will be focused on "local" retail and not chains. Peterbrooke fits perfectly with their overall concept.

You're totally right about 220 making "big announcements" and being a good fit. But they only have <4000 sq ft restaurant spaces, so a bit different from what Peterbrooke would be seeking. I'd love to see a reuse of the warehouses on Park as Ennis suggested!

[spuwho]

As SJTC drains off Regency, will the new Brooklyn drain off San Marco?

[Gamblor]

^Out of curiosity how do you think Brooklyn will affect the short term in the 5 points, King St., and Murray Hills of the world Dare?

[Gamblor]

^I think you're right or close to it. I was discussing this with a friend earlier and we had similar thoughts. We thought it might slow down the amazing growth the areas is having for a bit initially. Our only concern was how long does it take that person from Pittsburgh/Dallas/San Francisco to discover Brooklyn when the initial appeal of the beach may get them.

[peestandingup]

As SJTC drains off Regency, will the new Brooklyn drain off San Marco?

No, when we opened up all the shops in five points, many of us came from San Marco.  The exits allowed for more upscale establishments to take their places, which is what will continue to happen in San Marco as Brooklyn pulls development again.

There is always pressure to move upscale into the square from the wealthier people wanting to move up the social ladder from San Jose and Beauclerc.

I kinda feel like the same will happen with 5 Points (Riverside in general) in the next decade. Seems like its already moving in that direction.

Certainly not a bad thing. As it means that same demographic will just end up moving on to places like Murray Hill & Springfield to work their magic.