Il Desco Closed; Effective Immediately

[Captain Zissou]

^I think that was part of the problem with Il Desco, many people that have the money to patronize such a place wouldn't necessarily drive down King St frequently enough to keep it in the forefront of their mind. It might have done better on St. Johns Ave but the rent would definitely have been higher...or do they own the building? If the latter, what do you think they'll try next?

French Pantry, 13 Gypsies, Pine Grove Deli, bb's and Aix prove that good food served at the right price will thrive in Jax.  All 5 were in out of the way places and all alone when they were built.  The quality of food kept it "in the forefront" of people's minds.  I understand that 3 of these are lower price points than Hob-Nob, Ovinte, or Il Desco, but Jax is not generally a wealthy town and people are hesitant to throw down big bucks for food.  I think Il Desco and Hob Nob gave their food a higher valuation than the average Jax diner, which caused their downfall.

[Steve]

Riverside Avondale hipsters can only keep so many places open.  The average income per person there cannot top $30,000 can it?

Are we talking about the same neighborhoods?

The only way anyone making $30k can afford to live in Riverside or Avondale would be to have 4 roommates.

Riverside is such a mix. For a place I'd be okay living.....it would be likely more than $1,100 a month. It's not that I'm a snob or anything, but I'm not in my early 20s any more. I still say that if people in their early 20s want to live in a fun neighborhood, they should consider how much ambition they have. If they have little to none, live in Jax Beach. If they have some to a lot, live in Riverside.

(disclaimer - I know exceptions to both. Don't hate on me. I just believe that Jax Beach, for some, is where ambition goes to die).

With that said, Riverside is a GREAT diverse neighborhood. I love it for this reason - differences between people should be encouraged.

Regarding Il Desco: I'll sum this up: Five Points and Park and King have similarities in that they are both Riverside commercial strips. But, if the Riverside Hipsters are to blame in regards to why Il Desco closed, then why is Black Sheep still packing them in?

I've always felt that the Black Sheep Group's Restaurants (Insetta and DeVault) are much more consistent in quality service and kitchen execution than Forking Amazing. I like Bistro Aix (and in February hope to continue to like it), and I think Cowford was great when I was there, but Forking Amazing's places have always lacked in service and consistency compared to Black Sheep Group.

[Tacachale]

Riverside Avondale hipsters can only keep so many places open.  The average income per person there cannot top $30,000 can it?

Are we talking about the same neighborhoods?

The only way anyone making $30k can afford to live in Riverside or Avondale would be to have 4 roommates.

Riverside is such a mix. For a place I'd be okay living.....it would be likely more than $1,100 a month. It's not that I'm a snob or anything, but I'm not in my early 20s any more. I still say that if people in their early 20s want to live in a fun neighborhood, they should consider how much ambition they have. If they have little to none, live in Jax Beach. If they have some to a lot, live in Riverside.

(disclaimer - I know exceptions to both. Don't hate on me. I just believe that Jax Beach, for some, is where ambition goes to die).

With that said, Riverside is a GREAT diverse neighborhood. I love it for this reason - differences between people should be encouraged.

Regarding Il Desco: I'll sum this up: Five Points and Park and King have similarities in that they are both Riverside commercial strips. But, if the Riverside Hipsters are to blame in regards to why Il Desco closed, then why is Black Sheep still packing them in?

I've always felt that the Black Sheep Group's Restaurants (Insetta and DeVault) are much more consistent in quality service and kitchen execution than Forking Amazing. I like Bistro Aix (and in February hope to continue to like it), and I think Cowford was great when I was there, but Forking Amazing's places have always lacked in service and consistency compared to Black Sheep Group.

Black Sheep has a comparatively smaller space and a rooftop bar that's pure profit. The overhead and profit margins are likely much different. And like you say, the food is better, which is the real kicker. I'll cross the bridge occasionally for Black Sheep. Not so much for Il Desco or Pele's before that.

Beyond that, 5 points is also somewhat deeper into the Chaddening than King Street, and bro, Chad and Stacey love Black Sheep and rooftop bars.

[FlaBoy]

Maybe old Al will consider the Flying Iguana for this location that he almost put in San Marco...

[ProjectMaximus]

Beyond that, 5 points is also somewhat deeper into the Chaddening than King Street, and bro, Chad and Stacey love Black Sheep and rooftop bars.

LOL I don't know if what you said is a "thing" but I totally understand it and it's hilarious.

[acme54321]

LOL.  Chads and Brads.

[Captain Zissou]

Beyond that, 5 points is also somewhat deeper into the Chaddening than King Street, and bro, Chad and Stacey love Black Sheep and rooftop bars.

LOL I don't know if what you said is a "thing" but I totally understand it and it's hilarious.

It's definitely a thing, but I'll add a caveat.  Chad takes Brooke to Il Desco for her birthday to show how cultured he is, but he and Blake head to Black Sheep once or twice a month for drinks on the roof on friday.  That once a year vs twice a month is the big difference.

[Tacachale]

Beyond that, 5 points is also somewhat deeper into the Chaddening than King Street, and bro, Chad and Stacey love Black Sheep and rooftop bars.

LOL I don't know if what you said is a "thing" but I totally understand it and it's hilarious.

It's definitely a thing, but I'll add a caveat.  Chad takes Brooke to Il Desco for her birthday to show how cultured he is, but he and Blake head to Black Sheep once or twice a month for drinks on the roof on friday.  That once a year vs twice a month is the big difference.

Totes, bro, right on the money.

[Captain Zissou]

^ Thanks Brochacho

[TimmyB]

Beyond that, 5 points is also somewhat deeper into the Chaddening than King Street, and bro, Chad and Stacey love Black Sheep and rooftop bars.

LOL I don't know if what you said is a "thing" but I totally understand it and it's hilarious.

It's definitely a thing, but I'll add a caveat.  Chad takes Brooke to Il Desco for her birthday to show how cultured he is, but he and Blake head to Black Sheep once or twice a month for drinks on the roof on friday.  That once a year vs twice a month is the big difference.

So, you're suggesting if they had named it "Il Desbro", it would have made it?   

[Tacachale]

Beyond that, 5 points is also somewhat deeper into the Chaddening than King Street, and bro, Chad and Stacey love Black Sheep and rooftop bars.

LOL I don't know if what you said is a "thing" but I totally understand it and it's hilarious.

It's definitely a thing, but I'll add a caveat.  Chad takes Brooke to Il Desco for her birthday to show how cultured he is, but he and Blake head to Black Sheep once or twice a month for drinks on the roof on friday.  That once a year vs twice a month is the big difference.

So, you're suggesting if they had named it "Il Desbro", it would have made it?   

Il Douchey

[TimmyB]

Beyond that, 5 points is also somewhat deeper into the Chaddening than King Street, and bro, Chad and Stacey love Black Sheep and rooftop bars.

LOL I don't know if what you said is a "thing" but I totally understand it and it's hilarious.

It's definitely a thing, but I'll add a caveat.  Chad takes Brooke to Il Desco for her birthday to show how cultured he is, but he and Blake head to Black Sheep once or twice a month for drinks on the roof on friday.  That once a year vs twice a month is the big difference.

So, you're suggesting if they had named it "Il Desbro", it would have made it?   

Il Douchey

Ewwwwwwwwwww.  Not sure I'd cross the street for that one, T!

[exnewsman]

The Two Dudes Seafood sign is not up on the former Il Desco space.