There's an article in the TU about another celebrity chef planning a restuarant in downtown. This time it's Kenny Gilbert, who was a contestant on "top Chef".
He wants to open Gilbert South in Mike Langton's building next to the Florida Theatre. Gilbert South would specialize in modern Southern food.
QuoteHe knows what mood he's looking for: Blues playing, reclaimed barn wood, mason jars filled with home-picked veggies and fresh jerky at the bar. "When you open the door and smell the fried chicken and smoke," he said, "you'll know exactly what kind of place you're in. It should feel like home."
Also, the story includes some additional info on more businesses applying for the DIA's retail enhancement program:
QuoteThe city recently started accepting applications for its retail enhancement program that offers grants to help businesses move into vacant spaces downtown. Total funds available:
$750,000.
So far, there are four applicants:
Mike Langton for his building at 120 E Forsyth St., $100,000
Urban Grind, a coffee shop going in at 45 W Bay St., $17,000
Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches, 201 N Laura St., $24,000
Jersey Mike's Subs, SunTrust Tower, 76 S Laura St., $28,000
Full article: http://jacksonville.com/business/2014-12-09/story/celebrity-chefs-project-among-businesses-stepping-grants-fill-downtown
He was part of Nippers when it opened.
"He was executive chef at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island. He opened Nippers before leaving for a Miami-based restaurant group. There was season seven on Bravo's "Top Chef." Along the way, he figures he's opened seven or eight restaurants and designed another 10 concepts for Ritz-Carlton. He's been living in New Jersey recently, running his restaurant consultant business.
But after he saw the photos of Langton's building online, he and his wife flew down to check it out."
Quote from: DDC on December 09, 2014, 11:18:59 PM
But after he saw the photos of Langton's building online, he and his wife flew down to check it out."
Sounds like they were planning/hoping to return all along!
I am pleasantly surprised to hear that Jersey Mike's wants to be downtown!
Hopefully they all get approved by DIA.
Jersey Mike's is a good pull for downtown. Much better quality than Jimmy Johns and Subway.
It's a shame our homegrown sub chains, Firehouse and Larry's don't have downtown locations. Firehouse has over 700 locations all around the country, but doesn't have a downtown location in its own hometown.
^Firehouse had one. It was on Adams & Main. It closed shortly after the opening of the Carling. As for Jersey Mike's, is there available street level space in the Suntrust Tower or is this for something on the upper floors?
QuoteIt's a shame our homegrown sub chains, Firehouse and Larry's don't have downtown locations. Firehouse has over 700 locations all around the country, but doesn't have a downtown location in its own hometown.
Firehouse and Larrys both had downtown locations that closed. A Larrys franchisee did look at a space downtown last year, but a non-compete agreement with an adjoining tenant nixed that deal.
Am I the only one that thinks its odd that these grants are potentially being awarded to tenants that have either already opened, or are already in the buildout phase of opening?
it's hard to get too excited about chain sandwich places. but they are filling empty spaces downtown, will provide more foot traffic, a few more employees ... all steps to a more vibrant downtown.
But Gilbert's place sounds very cool. And right next to the Florida Theatre ....
Quote from: fieldafm on December 10, 2014, 09:29:49 AM
Am I the only one that thinks its odd that these grants are potentially being awarded to tenants that have either already opened, or are already in the buildout phase of opening?
Would kind of depend on what the grant money is earmarked for, wouldn't it?
It wouldn't be so odd as long as the $$$ was going to be used above and beyond the original buildout contract to do certain, specific features: Awnings, outdoor seating, public (open) wi-fi, etc...
Quote from: Non-RedNeck Westsider on December 10, 2014, 10:29:54 AM
Quote from: fieldafm on December 10, 2014, 09:29:49 AM
Am I the only one that thinks its odd that these grants are potentially being awarded to tenants that have either already opened, or are already in the buildout phase of opening?
Would kind of depend on what the grant money is earmarked for, wouldn't it?
It wouldn't be so odd as long as the $$$ was going to be used above and beyond the original buildout contract to do certain, specific features: Awnings, outdoor seating, public (open) wi-fi, etc...
I don't think any of them have opened, have they?
QuoteI don't think any of them have opened, have they?
The coffee shop was open during Art Walk.
Jimmy Johns construction is well under way.
The retail enhancement grant was just approved Oct 21st. The first official workshop held regarding the program was just held two weeks ago.
Just food for thought.
QUOTE:
But after he saw the photos of Langton's building online, he and his wife flew down to check it out."
Can someone post a link to these photos, please?
Quote from: river4340 on December 10, 2014, 10:16:10 AM
it's hard to get too excited about chain sandwich places. but they are filling empty spaces downtown, will provide more foot traffic, a few more employees ... all steps to a more vibrant downtown.
actually getting chains downtown is HUGE. It shows the market that national companies are willing to invest in the area. The key is finding the right mix between local and national.
^ no disagreement Stephen. But the financial institutions that lend money are often looking to see if chain businesses have invested in an area. One of downtown's problems right now is that local developers and entrepreneurs can't get financing to do their projects. Just ask Steve Atkins.
Quote from: thelakelander on December 10, 2014, 09:14:44 AM
^Firehouse had one. It was on Adams & Main. It closed shortly after the opening of the Carling. As for Jersey Mike's, is there available street level space in the Suntrust Tower or is this for something on the upper floors?
I am assuming be on Laura St. There used to be a Scottstrade office there which had its own separate access just to the right of the main tower entrance.
QuoteBut the financial institutions that lend money are often looking to see if chain businesses have invested in an area.
A local franchisee (these are franchises, not corporate stores) opening a sandwich shop isn't going to make or break a financing deal for a new multi-use building. Btw, downtown has these already (see: Pita Pit, Subway, Burger King, McDonalds, Quiznos, Great Wraps, etc).
Having good comps with credit tenants in order to get a more traditionally structured new construction deal though is a different story.
I understand the need for chains but I am not to thrilled with Jimmy Johns or Jersey Mikes coming in but then again i never frequented there san marco locations either. Would rather see some more food trucks convert over to brick and mortar.