Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville by Neighborhood => Urban Neighborhoods => Riverside/Avondale => Topic started by: RiversideLoki on August 11, 2011, 03:31:20 PM

Title: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: RiversideLoki on August 11, 2011, 03:31:20 PM
CompoundJoe "liked" this on his facebook feed. First I've heard of it. It appears that Zack and Mike from Secret Garden on Beach Blvd. are going to be taking over Derby House.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derby-on-Park/145651548852369?sk=wall

QuoteHey guys...it is Mike and Zack of Secret Garden. We want to invite you to follow the progress of our new venture "Derby on Park" a new spin on a 5pts landmark. We have recently acquired the old Derby House in Historic 5pts, and look forward to bringing you a new Riverside dining option. Stay tuned!

This is great news, IMO. Secret Garden is one of my favorite brunch spots!
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: copperfiend on August 11, 2011, 03:47:56 PM
Is the Secret Garden staying open?
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Garden guy on August 11, 2011, 03:51:42 PM
I hate to say it because i've been going to the Derby since i was 3...literally...but their food never was above average...but it was usually fast and friendly..those peolple became like family which makes is so hard to state that they really need someone to take it over. I'm getting tired of spending 10bucks on the most basic breakfast. Good luck to them all and i will continue to go no matter...the space deserves to be kept. I remember eating there after the bars back when they stayed open...ah the old days.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: fieldafm on August 11, 2011, 05:02:57 PM
I mentioned this today on the 'Store Closings' thread.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: ChriswUfGator on August 11, 2011, 07:27:57 PM
What a cool location for a real restaurant. Derby was an institution, but the food was never great. These guys are known for their food.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Dog Walker on August 12, 2011, 02:50:51 PM
They are keeping on most of the staff and will add their own, but will change the menu and the interior.  Going to three meals per day. 7AM to 9PM.  Derbyque will turn into their bakery since the current kitchen can't hold it.  Maybe retail outlet for baked goods?

There are a few things on their current menu that everyone hopes they will keep.

Derby is going to be closed 4 to 6 weeks for the remodel.

One of the new owners grew up in Riverside and they are anxious to be part of our 5 Points village.  Seem like bright, sincere guys.  They obviously know what they are doing.

If you are looking for a change and a quiet place, 5 Points Coffee & Spice on Lomax is serving lunch again.  Be nice to their cook.  He is bigger than your refrigerator.

Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Jumpinjack on August 12, 2011, 04:02:30 PM
Food at the Derby House was never glorified food - but it was good hot solid food for a good price. Country bacon, and grits, eggs, and waffles for breakfast. Hot dogs and slaw, meat loaf and potatoes, liver and onions for lunch. Fried steak, fried fish and okra and tomatoes weekly specials. 

Coffee was always refilled quickly, waitresses friendly and full of chat, and a good place to eat and visit  with Riverside working people.  People who were regulars knew all the Riverside gossip within 15 minutes of being there. I've seen the waitresses feed the homeless in need of a good meal and the cooks carry hot coffee across the street to someone in need sitting on the sidewalk.

I'm glad someone who cares about people and the community will be buying the place. Farewell Derby House, Welcome to the new owners.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: John P on August 12, 2011, 05:02:38 PM
Only the Fox and Crazy egg remain as authentic diner joints in that part of town now.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: ben says on August 12, 2011, 05:40:12 PM
I hate to be 'that guy' who makes the threads all off-track and disjointed, but sheesh, when the hell with a Bowl of Pho or some Indian place come to our side of town!!! It's getting downright depressing. Hate having to drive to Baymeadows for all the 'fun' food...Riverside/5 Points/King Street District/Avondale/Stockton is become such a cool, self contained, urban area. Pele's, Carmine's, the bars, the Avondale strip, 13 Gypsies, Bakery Moderne...the list goes on. All I'm asking for is a little ethnic food to complement our booming side of town. Is that so much to ask?!

And, for anyone whose interested, I was talking to the owners of India's Restaurant (I know, what a name...) the other day about maybe opening up a second location in 5 Points. He says they've thought about it countless times, knows it'll take off, but the owners of the empty spaces are asking an arm and a leg. Heard similar sentiments from the owners of Indochine (I heard they were considering opening up a stall-like, smaller, quick grab & go S.E. Asian restaurant around King or 5 Pts.

Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: AJpoto on August 12, 2011, 06:28:12 PM
Great location deserving of good food.  If the Derby House made with its weak selection and poor to midland grub imagine what good food and liquor could do...
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Dog Walker on August 13, 2011, 07:57:33 AM
That's when it was Van Fletcher's Brown Derby.  Remember Black Bottom Pie?
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: JeffreyS on August 13, 2011, 08:26:43 AM
Are they still going to do the live music on the deck at all?
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: ubben on August 13, 2011, 09:04:20 AM
Derby House strawberry pie was an institution at all my family's birthday parties. But that was a long looooong time ago. I'm glad to see a change over. Five Points DH was a dump. It's a great space and it could be awesome with some new thinking, chef, design, etc. Woohoo!
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: river4340 on August 16, 2011, 11:23:37 AM
http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/food-and-dining/2011-08-15/story/longtime-customers-plan-renovation-derby-house?cid=hp-promo
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Kay on August 16, 2011, 12:53:22 PM
Quote from: ben says on August 12, 2011, 05:40:12 PM
I hate to be 'that guy' who makes the threads all off-track and disjointed, but sheesh, when the hell with a Bowl of Pho or some Indian place come to our side of town!!! It's getting downright depressing. Hate having to drive to Baymeadows for all the 'fun' food...Riverside/5 Points/King Street District/Avondale/Stockton is become such a cool, self contained, urban area. Pele's, Carmine's, the bars, the Avondale strip, 13 Gypsies, Bakery Moderne...the list goes on. All I'm asking for is a little ethnic food to complement our booming side of town. Is that so much to ask?!

And, for anyone whose interested, I was talking to the owners of India's Restaurant (I know, what a name...) the other day about maybe opening up a second location in 5 Points. He says they've thought about it countless times, knows it'll take off, but the owners of the empty spaces are asking an arm and a leg. Heard similar sentiments from the owners of Indochine (I heard they were considering opening up a stall-like, smaller, quick grab & go S.E. Asian restaurant around King or 5 Pts.

There is someone trying to negotiate space for an Indian restaurant in Riverside.  Keep your fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: acme54321 on August 16, 2011, 01:17:08 PM
Quote from: ben says on August 12, 2011, 05:40:12 PMHeard similar sentiments from the owners of Indochine (I heard they were considering opening up a stall-like, smaller, quick grab & go S.E. Asian restaurant around King or 5 Pts.

They really need to open up a new A/C unit at the store they already have.  Holy crap its hot in there the last few times.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Dog Walker on August 17, 2011, 04:09:05 PM
Mike and Zack are considering staying open all night, Fridays and Saturdays at Derby on the Park and want some feedback about whether or not this would be popular.  I know there has been some discussion on this forum about the lack of late night places to eat.

I'm in bed by the time most places close so am in no position to have an opinion but I know that a lot of you are up and out late at night.  Let them know what you think of the idea on their Facebook page.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Garden guy on August 17, 2011, 05:27:18 PM
I can barely make it to 10o'clock so I'm out also..but there is a need for this...the area is ripe for latenight dining.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Intuition Ale Works on August 17, 2011, 05:42:49 PM

Could they possibly have enough seats to serve liquor? 

With recent law change they would only need 100 seats. I think?
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: 5pointy on August 17, 2011, 08:06:31 PM
Quote from: Dog Walker on August 17, 2011, 04:09:05 PM
Mike and Zack are considering staying open all night, Fridays and Saturdays at Derby on the Park and want some feedback about whether or not this would be popular.  I know there has been some discussion on this forum about the lack of late night places to eat.

I'm in bed by the time most places close so am in no position to have an opinion but I know that a lot of you are up and out late at night.  Let them know what you think of the idea on their Facebook page.

Maybe at least to midnight. Not sure there would be much business after then. I live in the neighborhood, and things are pretty quite late at night. If they stayed open 24/7, it would give the local homeless a place to hang out instead of in the alley though.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: RiversideLoki on August 18, 2011, 12:11:48 AM
Quote from: Kay on August 16, 2011, 12:53:22 PM


There is someone trying to negotiate space for an Indian restaurant in Riverside.  Keep your fingers crossed.

I tipped off the owners of the now closed Curry Pot a few days ago. I hope it's them. Their food is so good. He filled me in on some really nasty stuff about his landlord on the southside where they were.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: danno on August 18, 2011, 07:22:07 AM
Please let that be so.... I was a weekly diner there.  Best Indian food in town.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: A-Finnius on August 18, 2011, 07:41:35 PM
So sad Derby Q is going with it.. That was one of my favorite places in Five Points.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: The Compound on September 15, 2011, 09:42:31 AM
Here is the new logo we just unveiled yesterday.

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/313550_161686477248876_145651548852369_316291_502315163_n.jpg)

'Like' their page on Facebook if you want to keep up with the progress.
www.facebook.com/derbyonpark
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Charles Hunter on September 15, 2011, 11:25:14 AM
What is the design inside the "R"?  I think I see a spatula, but what else is there?
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Tacachale on September 15, 2011, 11:28:11 AM
^Took me a second too. It's the light in the 5 points intersection.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: The Compound on September 15, 2011, 11:34:28 AM
Yes, its the 5-points light.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: ben says on September 15, 2011, 12:10:44 PM
Quote from: danno on August 18, 2011, 07:22:07 AM
Please let that be so.... I was a weekly diner there.  Best Indian food in town.

I think I'll never leave the 5 points area....crepe place, Chew, Indian, new and improved Derby on Park, Tasti d lite, revamped theatre....

Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Dog Walker on September 15, 2011, 02:54:43 PM
Quote from: The Compound on September 15, 2011, 09:42:31 AM
Here is the new logo we just unveiled yesterday.

(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/313550_161686477248876_145651548852369_316291_502315163_n.jpg)

'Like' their page on Facebook if you want to keep up with the progress.
www.facebook.com/derbyonpark

Excuse me for being critical, but THREE different typefaces on ONE  logo!  Seems kind of busy.

Using the 5 Points beacon for the R is clever.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: The Compound on September 15, 2011, 03:06:41 PM
There are also three "5"s on it.
One is tricky to find.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Dog Walker on September 15, 2011, 03:15:56 PM
Finally found it!  Took some doing.  Very clever indeed.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Non-RedNeck Westsider on September 15, 2011, 03:31:20 PM
Quote from: Dog Walker on September 15, 2011, 02:54:43 PM

Excuse me for being critical, but THREE different typefaces on ONE  logo!  Seems kind of busy.

too much then?

QuoteWe don’t usually begin a design with the mindset of using seven different typefaces, but for a restaurant who thrives on bringing together a variety of elements, it just worked.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Riverrat on September 26, 2011, 02:36:42 PM
OOOHH...24-hours on Friday and Saturday would be incredible!!! I think they would do amazing revenue at that hour. Kickbacks stays full even up to 3 a.m. when they stop serving...I think they would do well 24-hours too. Waffle House is the only other nearby spot at 24-hours and it's busy at those hours as well (once all of the bars close).

The concept they are trying to create really sounds a lot like Banana's Diner in Orlando. It too is near a similar area and caters to an after-hours crowd on Friday and Saturday staying open 24-hours. They do quite well.

I really think it's worth a shot and will certainly add vibrancy to the neighborhood!
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: avonjax on September 26, 2011, 03:00:52 PM
Quote from: Garden guy on August 17, 2011, 05:27:18 PM
I can barely make it to 10o'clock so I'm out also..but there is a need for this...the area is ripe for latenight dining.
OMG you guys are wimps...LOL
I used to go to Derby House 3 or 4 nights a week after 2am in the good old days.
The place was packed most night/early mornings.
Miss those days.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Dog Walker on December 01, 2011, 10:24:24 AM
The new owners of the Derby House have finally gotten their building permits.  Evidently there was some issue over the design of the bathrooms that had to be redesigned and resubmitted for approval.

Construction should start again soon.
Title: Re: Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?
Post by: Non-RedNeck Westsider on December 01, 2011, 01:28:54 PM
Quote from: Dog Walker on December 01, 2011, 10:24:24 AM
The new owners of the Derby House have finally gotten their building permits.  Evidently there was some issue over the design of the bathrooms that had to be redesigned and resubmitted for approval.

Construction should start again soon.

Sounds like those pesky ADA reviewers at it again.