Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville by Neighborhood => Downtown => Topic started by: tufsu1 on October 27, 2011, 07:59:48 AM

Title: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: tufsu1 on October 27, 2011, 07:59:48 AM
Apparently the American Cafe was evicted from its space on the second floor of the Landing on Tuesday.  Rumor has it that they hadn't been paying rent for several months and payroll checks were occasionally bouncing.

It seems that shutting them down right before this weekend allows the restaurant owners to write off the revenue they will miss out on and that should bring them whole with Sleiman.....plus the Landing may get control of any furniture, equipment, and food/liqour that is still on premises.

When I asked Tony last night if he was happy with the outcome, he said he was thrilled.   
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: fsujax on October 27, 2011, 08:38:53 AM
interesting. another national chain gone from the Landing. Guess Hooters is all that will remain.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: thelakelander on October 27, 2011, 08:47:00 AM
There are more Chicago Pizza restaurants (4) in Jacksonville than there are American Cafes (2) remaining in the country.  I liked American Cafe at the Landing because their cuisine hit a certain niche in the Landing's dining selections.  I'll miss the crab and pasta pie lunch special.  However, if they're not paying their rent you can't blame the landlord for bouncing them out of the place.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: fsujax on October 27, 2011, 08:48:34 AM
maybe another new local restaurant will open its place or River Fit gym will expand!
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 08:52:13 AM
Maybe Fuddruckers can open there.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: David on October 27, 2011, 08:58:10 AM
That's too bad. Their food was middle of the road, maybe a hair above average but that was one of my favorite places to sit and enjoy the view of the river from.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: fieldafm on October 27, 2011, 09:00:31 AM
The space won't be empty for long.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: Dapperdan on October 27, 2011, 09:41:18 AM
No Gym. That space needs to be restaurant space.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: Non-RedNeck Westsider on October 27, 2011, 09:42:41 AM
Quote from: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 08:52:13 AM
Maybe Fuddruckers can open there.

Or Wet Willies
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: hightowerlover on October 27, 2011, 09:43:16 AM
awe I liked that place. maybe paris hilton can open a new night club ;)
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: KenFSU on October 27, 2011, 09:50:46 AM
Quote from: hightowerlover on October 27, 2011, 09:43:16 AM
awe I liked that place. maybe paris hilton can open a new night club ;)

And then not show up at the opening, leaving John Peyton to do an awkward solo dance to entertain the crowd...
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: I-10east on October 27, 2011, 09:53:08 AM
Hopefully before the FL/GA game, they will have time to replace AC with a temporary 'museum' of sorts, with a plastic banner as signage. JK
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 09:56:17 AM
Last night they were using the space as a staging area for the event in the courtyard. 

I wonder if Toney will try and sell alcohol in the space this weekend.  Is that possible??  I'm sure that space will fill up really fast.  There may even be a tenant already lined up.

BTW- Rush Street looks awful and is nowhere near ready for this weekend.  There was nobody on site working on it.  Fionn McCools had people there 24-7 for the few days leading up to their opening.  Looks like Rush street will miss this weekend.  Fionn's had a couple dozen people in it while I was there.  The courtyard cleared out following the event last night.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: tufsu1 on October 27, 2011, 11:31:50 AM
Quote from: fieldafm on October 27, 2011, 09:00:31 AM
The space won't be empty for long.

I kind of got that impression from Mr. Sleiman

As for Rush Street, I agree with Zissou that it looks tacky....but there were several people working on it last night, even after 9pm...and they have all the TVs (probably about 50) hung and operating inside and outside....unless there's a problem with their final occupancy permit, they'll be open tonight.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: fieldafm on October 27, 2011, 11:54:21 AM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 09:56:17 AM
Last night they were using the space as a staging area for the event in the courtyard. 

I wonder if Toney will try and sell alcohol in the space this weekend.  Is that possible??  I'm sure that space will fill up really fast.  There may even be a tenant already lined up.

BTW- Rush Street looks awful and is nowhere near ready for this weekend.  There was nobody on site working on it.  Fionn McCools had people there 24-7 for the few days leading up to their opening.  Looks like Rush street will miss this weekend.  Fionn's had a couple dozen people in it while I was there.  The courtyard cleared out following the event last night.

The only thing I ascertained from your post is that you went to a bikini contest last night... sinner  ;)
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: river4340 on October 27, 2011, 12:18:30 PM
something will open there tomorrow.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: river4340 on October 27, 2011, 12:57:13 PM
http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/food-and-dining/2011-10-27/story/american-cafe-closes-jacksonville-landing-new
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: Dapperdan on October 27, 2011, 02:35:39 PM
So, does Chicago Pizza plan to slowly own every vacant space in the Landing? WTH? And both places will be open but not finished? Can you say greedy?
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: manasia on October 27, 2011, 02:42:22 PM
Glad Tony got a replacement in.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 02:44:42 PM
Quote from: Dapperdan on October 27, 2011, 02:35:39 PM
So, does Chicago Pizza plan to slowly own every vacant space in the Landing? WTH? And both places will be open but not finished? Can you say greedy?

Greedy or opportunistic?
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 03:04:50 PM
Quote from: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 02:44:42 PM
Quote from: Dapperdan on October 27, 2011, 02:35:39 PM
So, does Chicago Pizza plan to slowly own every vacant space in the Landing? WTH? And both places will be open but not finished? Can you say greedy?

Greedy or opportunistic?

I'd like to see the leases that Toney has these guys on.  Are they 2 week leases or 3??  They must have some serious cash laying around to build out these two spaces simaltaneously.  I have a feeling they're both going to look awful tomorrow night, but at least the college kids will have multiple options to get their fix.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: fieldafm on October 27, 2011, 03:16:02 PM
The only buildout that needs to be done on American Grille is to unlock the door.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 03:27:08 PM
So they're not going to do anything except cover up Cafe and put Grille??

GENIUS!!!

Talk about phoning it in.  Maybe they should open up a brand new McDowels or a Burger Queen next. 
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 03:32:49 PM
If Koja ever closes, just add a "k" to the end and a picture of Telly Savalas and you're good to go.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: fieldafm on October 27, 2011, 03:36:19 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 03:27:08 PM
So they're not going to do anything except cover up Cafe and put Grille??

GENIUS!!!

Talk about phoning it in.  Maybe they should open up a brand new McDowels or a Burger Queen next.

I don't know how you expect anyone to strip down and rebuild a restaurant exactly one day before the busiest weekend of the year for the Landing?
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: Non-RedNeck Westsider on October 27, 2011, 03:39:13 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 03:27:08 PM
So they're not going to do anything except cover up Cafe and put Grille??

GENIUS!!!

Talk about phoning it in.  Maybe they should open up a brand new McDowels or a Burger Queen next.

(http://www.tommybear.com/McDowellsFacade.jpg)
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 03:42:10 PM
Quote from: fieldafm on October 27, 2011, 03:36:19 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 03:27:08 PM
So they're not going to do anything except cover up Cafe and put Grille??

GENIUS!!!

Talk about phoning it in.  Maybe they should open up a brand new McDowels or a Burger Queen next.

I don't know how you expect anyone to strip down and rebuild a restaurant exactly one day before the busiest weekend of the year for the Landing?

Agree on the one day.

Now if it was two days before, they could call Robert Irvine.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: duvaldude08 on October 27, 2011, 03:43:05 PM
Quote from: Dapperdan on October 27, 2011, 02:35:39 PM
So, does Chicago Pizza plan to slowly own every vacant space in the Landing? WTH? And both places will be open but not finished? Can you say greedy?

American grille needs no work. Everything is in place. So actually it was a smart idea. Then after this weekend, they can put their own personal touches on it little by little. As long as the space is filled. Now as for Rush street, that is being rushed.    ;D
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: tufsu1 on October 27, 2011, 11:00:53 PM
according to the T-U article, it will close for about a week around Christmas for renovation.s

of course the article also says the bar to be known as Rush Street won't be open until tomorrow night....yet folks were in there tonight and the alcohol is flowing
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: ProjectMaximus on October 28, 2011, 01:37:13 AM
Quote from: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 08:52:13 AM
Maybe Fuddruckers can open there.

Quote from: copperfiend on October 27, 2011, 03:42:10 PM
Quote from: fieldafm on October 27, 2011, 03:36:19 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on October 27, 2011, 03:27:08 PM
So they're not going to do anything except cover up Cafe and put Grille??

GENIUS!!!

Talk about phoning it in.  Maybe they should open up a brand new McDowels or a Burger Queen next.

I don't know how you expect anyone to strip down and rebuild a restaurant exactly one day before the busiest weekend of the year for the Landing?

Agree on the one day.

Now if it was two days before, they could call Robert Irvine.

You're on fire, copper.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: urbaknight on November 03, 2011, 03:23:04 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on October 27, 2011, 07:59:48 AM
Apparently the American Cafe was evicted from its space on the second floor of the Landing on Tuesday.  Rumor has it that they hadn't been paying rent for several months and payroll checks were occasionally bouncing.

It seems that shutting them down right before this weekend allows the restaurant owners to write off the revenue they will miss out on and that should bring them whole with Sleiman.....plus the Landing may get control of any furniture, equipment, and food/liqour that is still on premises.

When I asked Tony last night if he was happy with the outcome, he said he was thrilled.   

I'll bet he was thrilled just to have another empty space there. And tossing them out on their butts and eliminating jobs probably gave him a hardon. He doesn't care about the Landing or DT as a whole.

Toney Sprawlman, sell the Landing to someone who cares about it and knows how to run it, and just tend to your true loves, your damn stripmalls.
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: duvaldude08 on November 03, 2011, 03:41:40 PM
Quote from: urbaknight on November 03, 2011, 03:23:04 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on October 27, 2011, 07:59:48 AM
Apparently the American Cafe was evicted from its space on the second floor of the Landing on Tuesday.  Rumor has it that they hadn't been paying rent for several months and payroll checks were occasionally bouncing.

It seems that shutting them down right before this weekend allows the restaurant owners to write off the revenue they will miss out on and that should bring them whole with Sleiman.....plus the Landing may get control of any furniture, equipment, and food/liqour that is still on premises.

When I asked Tony last night if he was happy with the outcome, he said he was thrilled.   

I'll bet he was thrilled just to have another empty space there. And tossing them out on their butts and eliminating jobs probably gave him a hardon. He doesn't care about the Landing or DT as a whole.

Toney Sprawlman, sell the Landing to someone who cares about it and knows how to run it, and just tend to your true loves, your damn stripmalls.

So I take that you are saying he should have let them stay depsite the fact the were not paying their rent? Im sorry but that does not make sense. And Actually I would be happy too if I evicted a teanet who was not paying their rent, for another business who is going to fullfill the obligation. We all know that Tony is not the best guy, but come on. Would someone let a person stay in their apartment if they were not paying rent?? NOPE!
Title: Re: American Cafe @ Landing Closed
Post by: urbaknight on November 03, 2011, 03:50:33 PM
Quote from: duvaldude08 on November 03, 2011, 03:41:40 PM
Quote from: urbaknight on November 03, 2011, 03:23:04 PM
Quote from: tufsu1 on October 27, 2011, 07:59:48 AM
Apparently the American Cafe was evicted from its space on the second floor of the Landing on Tuesday.  Rumor has it that they hadn't been paying rent for several months and payroll checks were occasionally bouncing.

It seems that shutting them down right before this weekend allows the restaurant owners to write off the revenue they will miss out on and that should bring them whole with Sleiman.....plus the Landing may get control of any furniture, equipment, and food/liqour that is still on premises.

When I asked Tony last night if he was happy with the outcome, he said he was thrilled.   

I'll bet he was thrilled just to have another empty space there. And tossing them out on their butts and eliminating jobs probably gave him a hardon. He doesn't care about the Landing or DT as a whole.

Toney Sprawlman, sell the Landing to someone who cares about it and knows how to run it, and just tend to your true loves, your damn stripmalls.

So I take that you are saying he should have let them stay depsite the fact the were not paying their rent? Im sorry but that does not make sense. And Actually I would be happy too if I evicted a teanet who was not paying their rent, for another business who is going to fullfill the obligation. We all know that Tony is not the best guy, but come on. Would someone let a person stay in their apartment if they were not paying rent?? NOPE!

I totally agree with what you're saying, I was just being facetious against Sleiman. I take sarcastic shots against the people that are to blame for our city's backward ways.