Candy Apple Café & Cocktails permanently closed

[thelakelander]

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/candy-apple-cafe-and-cocktails-permanently-closed

[dp8541]

I was worried about that when I saw the candy store was closing for almost two months.  Not many restaurants can survive that long of a closure (I am surprised Bistro Aix was able to reopen). 

[KenFSU]

Massive blow for downtown.

Loved Candy Apple.

Was a genuine, unique asset to the CBD.

[KenFSU]

I sincerely hope that someone comes up with a way to save Candy Apple.

The place was always packed, the staff was amazing, and it's gotta be one of the most beloved restaurants in the city.

There's just no reason that they should have to shut it down because of repairs.

Surely it benefits Sweet Pete's to have all that foot traffic from Candy Apple as well.

[JeffreyS]

That is heart breaking.

[Tacachale]

I hope they find a way to reopen the restaurant, under this name or another, once the repairs are done.

[Steve]

I was worried about that when I saw the candy store was closing for almost two months.  Not many restaurants can survive that long of a closure (I am surprised Bistro Aix was able to reopen). 

Bistro Aix may have had insurance in the event of a natural disaster. Not sure.

[floridaal]

In jacksonville.com a few weeks ago, Candy Apple had many violations, many serious in the worst restaurant inspections of that week.  Perhaps  that was part of it.

[jaxnyc79]

In jacksonville.com a few weeks ago, Candy Apple had many violations, many serious in the worst restaurant inspections of that week.  Perhaps  that was part of it.

BizJournal: "Candy Apple was leasing the space for its 95-seat restaurant from Lemonis' ML Property LLC, the owner of the building.

Shortly before announcing the temporary closing, the eatery was cited by health inspectors for rodent droppings being found on the premises.

That issue has nothing to do with the renovations of the building, said Branden Stanley, Sweet Pete's marketing director. The work being done includes refinishing the hardwood floors, replacing insulation and painting the exterior."

[Kiva]

I hope they find a way to reopen the restaurant, under this name or another, once the repairs are done.

It seems like downtown always goes two steps forward, then one step back! 

[floridaal]

So it is just a coincidence it closed for renovations basically the same time as the bad inspection,  really?

[remc86007]

I get that they are missing a lot of revenue, but do they really have that much of a carrying cost if the restaurant is temporarily closed? Surely they aren't being charged rent during the building's closing.

[JaxAvondale]

My guess is that Lemonis will open up his own restaurant for additional revenue.

[DrQue]

Interesting in that the DIA referenced Sweet Pete's success in their approval of Jones Furniture funds on Monday.

How do they not have a pulse on these things?

[KenFSU]

Interesting in that the DIA referenced Sweet Pete's success in their approval of Jones Furniture funds on Monday.

How do they not have a pulse on these things?

I don't think anyone had a pulse on this one, honestly, besides the owners.

They were talking about re-opening less than a day after their Facebook post that they were closing permanently.

Still holding out hope that this one works itself out somehow.

Seems like it would be a good investment opportunity for someone to step in and help Candy Apple out.