Five New Restaurants Coming to Town Center
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/4920000885_G3mfLWs-L.jpg)
Read More: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2016-may-five-new-restaurants-coming-to-town-center
While I'm happy JAX is getting a retinue of new dining options, I can't say I'd eat at a single one of these. They all look terribly middle America, average, and chain-y.
...let me guess, I come across as snobby.
Quote from: ben says on May 18, 2016, 09:09:05 AM
While I'm happy JAX is getting a retinue of new dining options, I can't say I'd eat at a single one of these. They all look terribly middle America, average, and chain-y.
...let me guess, I come across as snobby.
Well these are all chains... so. we get 3 "new" Applebee's, a "new" Olive Garden and a gimmicky meat place (7k sq ft!).
and your City Council members are over the moon while making it difficult for homegrown entrepreneurs to bring authentic food and drink to your neighborhoods.
But we get what we deserve and demographic say we get. Jacksonville "The Timid New City of the South!"
I may give the Italian place a try, but the rest are a big pile of nope.
While I get that the zoning and surrounding neighborhoods are different, It's sad that a locally owned 150 seat restaurant has to wage a legal battle for months to open in Riverside/Avondale, but these monstrosities at the Town Center get a ticker tape parade when they announce their plans to come to the area.
PS- Go look at some of the facebook comments on this post. SMH
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 18, 2016, 09:30:45 AM
I may give the Italian place a try, but the rest are a big pile of nope.
While I get that the zoning and surrounding neighborhoods are different, It's sad that a locally owned 150 seat restaurant has to wage a legal battle for months to open in Riverside/Avondale, but these monstrosities at the Town Center get a ticker tape parade when they announce their plans to come to the area.
It is interesting that a new place can walk into SJTC but go through zoning and permit hell anywhere else.
Going to hit up Red Robin - just because LOL. But, I agree with everyone on this thread how frustrating it is for someone LOCAL to have to deal with bullshit small-towned minded people to open something up. Yet they don't blink an eye to all these bland/boring places.
Texas de Brazil is ok and I will stop in occasionally.
Red Robin was pretty good when I lived in Seattle, but many of the franchises I have eaten at have been a big meh.
The rest compete or overlap with several offerings in Jacksonville and until I taste it, I dont see the urge to go.
I still think SJTC is reaching food saturation levels and I am thinking that over 50% of these new offerings will be gone in 3 years.
Texas de Brazil is very nice. I have been to the Orlando one several times. All of these are entering our market for the first time and some are new franchises, so to me, that is good news.
Quote from: ben says on May 18, 2016, 09:09:05 AM
...let me guess, I come across as snobby.
I won't be visiting any of these places either. I've been to a red robin and cheddars and they were just OK. Typical chain type food with way too much sodium for your own good.
You can probably go to the back of these restaurants and watch the same Sysco truck go to each loading dock and deliver the same stuff.
I guess I'm snobby too! :)
I have no issue with chains. They fill a place in the market and there are some that are quite good. I don't know anything about these, but I'm glad the Town Center is (or appears to be) doing well.
Quote from: Dapperdan on May 18, 2016, 09:52:49 AM
Texas de Brazil is very nice. I have been to the Orlando one several times. All of these are entering our market for the first time and some are new franchises, so to me, that is good news.
I completely agree with the local vs. franchise frustrations, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for Texas de Brazil too. The prices put it solidly in the birthday/anniversary-only category, but totally worth it! I doubt I'll be darkening the doorways of the other four, though, they all seem like pretty cookie cutter concepts.
Quote from: spuwho on May 18, 2016, 09:43:53 AM
I still think SJTC is reaching food saturation levels and I am thinking that over 50% of these new offerings will be gone in 3 years.
Half in just three years? No way in the world.
Quote from: Adam White on May 18, 2016, 10:46:27 AM
I have no issue with chains. They fill a place in the market and there are some that are quite good. I don't know anything about these, but I'm glad the Town Center is (or appears to be) doing well.
Yeah, it's doing very well.
New, nationally-known companies investing in the Jacksonville market.
New job creation.
Net positive economic impact.
Sure sounds like a win to me.
Ever try getting a table on the weekend at the Cheesecake Factor, Maggiano's, PF Chang's, California Pizza Kitchen, Brio, Ted's, Wasabi, Mimi's, or any of the other "cookie cutter" chains?
I think they'll be fine without the snobs.
Jacksonville loves its chains.
In a town that has long ignored, suppressed, and bulldozed its own history, we use national chains and (sporting events) to provide us validation that Jacksonville is a "real city."
The NFL. Macy's. IKEA.
It's interesting, but also, a trend that you can really feel reversing itself in recent years as more and more people start expecting, rather than being surprised by, good things happening in the city.
It's interesting that many (no offense to anyone) are Debbie Downer with national chain restaurants, but love their national chained department stores, and other retail.
Quote from: KenFSU on May 18, 2016, 12:12:14 PM
Jacksonville loves its chains.
Everybody loves chains. That's why they're so successful! It's great that more companies are wanting to expand into Jacksonville. Yes, I like small restaurants, too. But there's no reason why we can't have both.
^ Cheddar's is adequate, but nothing special. They've been in my market in southeast Virginia for a number of years ("Scratch Kitchen" was just added to the name recently; I think it used to be "Bistro"). Think a little bit higher-quality version of Applebee's with a slightly more creative menu and you'll get the picture.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 18, 2016, 02:02:53 PM
Also, the name "Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen" just sounds gross.
Yeah, true. Who came up with that?
Quote from: Wacca Pilatka on May 18, 2016, 02:37:14 PM
Think a little bit higher-quality version of Applebee's...
My last dump was higher quality than Applebee's.
It's kind of interesting reading the comments here, as an outsider looking in. When MJ did a piece last month about some great local eateries, many of those "local" places were ripped a new one as not being worthy of a five-minute drive, but now (apparently) we need more of these and less of the chains! There is indeed room for both, but they both serve a quite-different clientele. As for me, I love chains, if they are done correctly. The "chain" part ensures that you will have the same quality you expect, no matter what town you are in. I also love locals, and already have a favorite or two in JAX. I am looking forward to adding to that list.
Quote from: I-10east on May 18, 2016, 12:06:52 PM
Quote from: spuwho on May 18, 2016, 09:43:53 AM
I still think SJTC is reaching food saturation levels and I am thinking that over 50% of these new offerings will be gone in 3 years.
Half in just three years? No way in the world.
There has already been significant failures at SJTC. Now that is not a chain or even a SJTC issue. Jax does not have the corporate environment (expense account dining) or the disposable income to support everything going on. Shake will come to Brooklyn/R/A as well. Jax is a Friday Saturday night crowd. No one is doing 2 turns on Tuesday.
Quote from: Adam White on May 18, 2016, 02:46:08 PM
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 18, 2016, 02:02:53 PM
Also, the name "Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen" just sounds gross.
Yeah, true. Who came up with that?
Ted Nugent.
Used to be called "Cat Scratch Steamer"
So typical of the comments here, especially about the SJTC.
Stay classy, MJ.
Quote from: Sentient on May 18, 2016, 08:46:18 PM
There has already been significant failures at SJTC. Now that is not a chain or even a SJTC issue. Jax does not have the corporate environment (expense account dining) or the disposable income to support everything going on. Shake will come to Brooklyn/R/A as well. Jax is a Friday Saturday night crowd. No one is doing 2 turns on Tuesday.
What 'significant failures' at the SJTC besides urban opinions (like the beaten to death stories of the parking)? Because it's damn sure not anything financially related. If those five new restaurants were located DT no one would complain, but people are only salty because they are in a suburban location.
All of the complains of 'over-saturation', Jax is a growing city, and many of these restaurants are new to Jax; I see no over saturation problems at the SJTC in the foreseeable future. For every wine & cheese upscale baller that's too good to eat chain, there will be like fifty people to readily replace you. I'll be waiting to hear your list of 'significant failures' at the SJTC LOL.
FWIW, and I'm a going off course, but the the supposedly 41 year old supposed 'to be extinct only because it's an indoor mall' Orange Park Mall is doing extremely well. I went there on Saturday (I'm not that far away) and it was packed full of shoppers; I saw no empty stores/restaurants (besides Sakura which is getting renovated). That place is bustling.
Bottomline, if people feel safe within an adequate mall, it more than likely will succeed; The moment when safety is questioned, then you will have a Regency-esque situation; I know that many think the concerns are more spectacular skylights, fountains, and what keeping up with the Joneses malls that are nearby, but safety (or fighting bad perceptions of an unsafe place) is first and foremost IMO.
Orange Park Mall should be fine until an adaquate competitor enters its market. As of now, there are none.
This sounds really nice! But I don't think I could give Cheddars my business. Last Christmas they closed restaurants, and didn't even notify their employees. AT CHRISTMAS! The staff all just showed up to work one day, and were told the same way customers were, with a note on the locked front door. No severance, notice or have a nice day. Their corporate statement didn't even seem regretful! http://www.foxnews.com/.../cheddars-restaurant-abruptly
Quote from: spuwho on May 18, 2016, 08:56:13 PM
Quote from: Adam White on May 18, 2016, 02:46:08 PM
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 18, 2016, 02:02:53 PM
Also, the name "Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen" just sounds gross.
Yeah, true. Who came up with that?
Ted Nugent.
Used to be called "Cat Scratch Steamer"
(https://m.popkey.co/1b40e4/M78Lk.gif)
Quote from: Danielle on May 19, 2016, 01:04:30 AM
This sounds really nice! But I don't think I could give Cheddars my business. Last Christmas they closed restaurants, and didn't even notify their employees. AT CHRISTMAS! The staff all just showed up to work one day, and were told the same way customers were, with a note on the locked front door. No severance, notice or have a nice day. Their corporate statement didn't even seem regretful! http://www.foxnews.com/.../cheddars-restaurant-abruptly
That's terrible and all, but what could be worse than the name itself: Cheddars? What's next...let's go eat at Provolone? I hear that Asiago is great?
Quote from: ben says on May 19, 2016, 08:56:32 AM
Quote from: Danielle on May 19, 2016, 01:04:30 AM
This sounds really nice! But I don't think I could give Cheddars my business. Last Christmas they closed restaurants, and didn't even notify their employees. AT CHRISTMAS! The staff all just showed up to work one day, and were told the same way customers were, with a note on the locked front door. No severance, notice or have a nice day. Their corporate statement didn't even seem regretful! http://www.foxnews.com/.../cheddars-restaurant-abruptly
That's terrible and all, but what could be worse than the name itself: Cheddars? What's next...let's go eat at Provolone? I hear that Asiago is great?
Provolone is terrible cheese and is in nowhere near the same class as cheddar.
all of yall haters are pathetic idiots, you criticize and poo poo them without even knowing about them and have never been there before. Except maybe red robin which we have far too many better burger places.
I can tell you about firebirds wood grill, it's not a chain, everything is made from scratch, and will be one of the best places to get a steak in all of jacksonville. They have a lot of other great seafood and pasta dishes, pretty much something all types of people would like. It's a place for young professionals or even a family dinner. It's not cheap so the clientele will be good, but not overly expensive.
but if you are going to hate on it because of the location, or that it's not a liberal hipster whole in the wall place, or the food doesn't come in a wrapper... then by all means, just stay away cause they don't need you
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
all of yall haters are pathetic idiots, you criticize and poo poo them without even knowing about them and have never been there before. Except maybe red robin which we have far too many better burger places.
I can tell you about firebirds wood grill, it's not a chain, everything is made from scratch, and will be one of the best places to get a steak in all of jacksonville. They have a lot of other great seafood and pasta dishes, pretty much something all types of people would like. It's a place for young professionals or even a family dinner. It's not cheap so the clientele will be good, but not overly expensive.
but if you are going to hate on it because of the location, or that it's not a liberal hipster whole in the wall place, or the food doesn't come in a wrapper... then by all means, just stay away cause they don't need you
Please tell me you signed up just to post this... Rustle softly sweet prince.
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
I can tell you about firebirds wood grill, it's not a chain, everything is made from scratch, and will be one of the best places to get a steak in all of jacksonville.
Google Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. They have a lot of locations around the country for something that isn't a chain.
Quote from: Adam White on May 19, 2016, 11:33:42 AM
Google Firebirds Wood Fired Grill. They have a lot of locations around the country for something that isn't a chain.
You liberals and your 'facts'.
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
it's not a liberal hipster whole in the wall place
These restaurants do their homework before setting up shop here. They waited carefully and they're gonna make their money. The "chain" restaurant formula is what works at SJTC
QuoteThese restaurants do their homework before setting up shop here. They waited carefully and they're gonna make their money. The "chain" restaurant formula is what works at SJTC
Since I live next to the owner of 29 South in Fernandina and 4 blocks away from the infamous Orsay and have many friends in the restaurant business, I know that setting up shop takes time, patience and money. No one does this for the faint of heart, then you have the state and inspections and your employees can be lazy and get you fined, setting up the restaurant can be maddening.
I am all for more and more and more restaurants at Town Center. The more the merrier. Not everyone in TC likes what I like and if they want more Cheesecake Factory type restaurants, so be it. They have theirs, I have mine. Having been to cities like Prague, Paris, Budapest , Amsterdam to name a few, Jacksonville has some very good restaurants that rival many we have been to in these cities, let alone NYC or San Fran.
Quote from: Dapperdan on May 18, 2016, 09:52:49 AM
Texas de Brazil is very nice. I have been to the Orlando one several times. All of these are entering our market for the first time and some are new franchises, so to me, that is good news.
I love Texas de Brazil !!! Can't wait for it to open. Went to the Orlando location many times.
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 20, 2016, 12:59:22 PM
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
but if you are going to hate on it because of the location, or that it's not a liberal hipster whole in the wall place, or the food doesn't come in a wrapper... then by all means, just stay away cause they don't need you
Done and done. EVERYWHERE I eat must be both liberal and hipster.
Don't forget "whole in the wall".
Quote from: mtraininjax on May 20, 2016, 05:30:23 AM
Since I live next to the owner of 29 South in Fernandina and 4 blocks away from the infamous Orsay and have many friends in the restaurant business,
So you brag about living near Orsay, but you're up in arms about a restaurant that will be over a mile away from you and have zero impact on your daily life?
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
all of yall haters are pathetic idiots, you criticize and poo poo them without even knowing about them and have never been there before. Except maybe red robin which we have far too many better burger places.
Do you not see the hypocrisy of you hating on Red Robin while writing other critics off as "pathetic idiots"?
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
I can tell you about firebirds wood grill, it's not a chain, everything is made from scratch, and will be one of the best places to get a steak in all of jacksonville. They have a lot of other great seafood and pasta dishes, pretty much something all types of people would like. It's a place for young professionals or even a family dinner. It's not cheap so the clientele will be good, but not overly expensive.
You seem very emotionally involved with this restaurant. After going over their menu, I can tell you that Firewood Grill offers absolutely nothing I can eat. So much for "something for all types".
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
but if you are going to hate on it because of the location, or that it's not a liberal hipster whole in the wall place, or the food doesn't come in a wrapper... then by all means, just stay away cause they don't need you
Nope, hatin because it looks like a tired concept with literally nothing to offer. Do you think that insulting people is going to start a stampede into this establishment?
Quote from: Adam White on May 20, 2016, 02:03:21 PM
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 20, 2016, 12:59:22 PM
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
but if you are going to hate on it because of the location, or that it's not a liberal hipster whole in the wall place, or the food doesn't come in a wrapper... then by all means, just stay away cause they don't need you
Done and done. EVERYWHERE I eat must be both liberal and hipster.
Don't forget "whole in the wall".
You gotta admit, it is far superior than the "half in the wall" joints.
Quote from: TimmyB on May 20, 2016, 04:58:10 PM
Quote from: Adam White on May 20, 2016, 02:03:21 PM
Quote from: Murder_me_Rachel on May 20, 2016, 12:59:22 PM
Quote from: httrjax on May 19, 2016, 10:49:41 AM
but if you are going to hate on it because of the location, or that it's not a liberal hipster whole in the wall place, or the food doesn't come in a wrapper... then by all means, just stay away cause they don't need you
Done and done. EVERYWHERE I eat must be both liberal and hipster.
Don't forget "whole in the wall".
You gotta admit, it is far superior than the "half in the wall" joints.
Absolutely! I'd even go out on a limb and say it's easily twice as good.
Even if some of the places aren't my thing, I'm happy new businesses are coming to town and bringing jobs. Hope they all do well.
Quote4586 Town Center Parkway, standalone Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, $995,000, 5,670 square feet, Conboy & Mannion Construction. It's going into the new Town Center Promenade.
Permit has been issued for Red Robin. I guess the TV commercials they have been airing for years in the JAX Metro area may finally pay off. ;D
I've only eaten at Red Robin once (the one in Tallahassee), but the burger, to me at least, was indistinguishable from a Burger King Whopper (all the way down to the fake "flame grilled" taste). The burger plus one beer came out to $18 before tax. Needless to say, I haven't been back. I hope that it was just a one-off experience and the one at the town center location isn't going to be a million dollar peddler of Whoppers.
Quote from: remc86007 on January 28, 2017, 07:56:37 PM
I've only eaten at Red Robin once (the one in Tallahassee), but the burger, to me at least, was indistinguishable from a Burger King Whopper (all the way down to the fake "flame grilled" taste). The burger plus one beer came out to $18 before tax. Needless to say, I haven't been back. I hope that it was just a one-off experience and the one at the town center location isn't going to be a million dollar peddler of Whoppers.
Having eaten at the original Red Robin in Seattle almost 30 years ago, I can easily say that one's experience today is pretty much a mixed bag.
The franchisee's all have some variations that can make a big difference in the what's and how well's it comes to you.
I remember how excited I was when the first franchise opened in the Chicago area (Schaumburg - Woodfield Center) only to be really disappointed that some RR staples were ignored or not available. To top it off, the food was as you said, average. So it really comes down to the supplier the franchisee uses and how well they adhere to the RR guidelines. RR is not as strict at the food level as McDonalds is, they are franchising mostly a theme and a menu.
I have since been back to the west coast and ate at a RR in Modesto, California, and it was like I remember it in Seattle. Good thick burgers, unlimited refills, even on mixed lemonades, and quality service.
I went to a RR in Baltimore last year and I was back to average again with limits or missing items.
My guess is this RR will be a lot like the one in Port Orange.
Quote from: spuwho on January 29, 2017, 08:20:48 AM
Quote from: remc86007 on January 28, 2017, 07:56:37 PM
I've only eaten at Red Robin once (the one in Tallahassee), but the burger, to me at least, was indistinguishable from a Burger King Whopper (all the way down to the fake "flame grilled" taste). The burger plus one beer came out to $18 before tax. Needless to say, I haven't been back. I hope that it was just a one-off experience and the one at the town center location isn't going to be a million dollar peddler of Whoppers.
Having eaten at the original Red Robin in Seattle almost 30 years ago, I can easily say that one's experience today is pretty much a mixed bag.
The franchisee's all have some variations that can make a big difference in the what's and how well's it comes to you.
I remember how excited I was when the first franchise opened in the Chicago area (Schaumburg - Woodfield Center) only to be really disappointed that some RR staples were ignored or not available. To top it off, the food was as you said, average. So it really comes down to the supplier the franchisee uses and how well they adhere to the RR guidelines. RR is not as strict at the food level as McDonalds is, they are franchising mostly a theme and a menu.
I have since been back to the west coast and ate at a RR in Modesto, California, and it was like I remember it in Seattle. Good thick burgers, unlimited refills, even on mixed lemonades, and quality service.
I went to a RR in Baltimore last year and I was back to average again with limits or missing items.
My guess is this RR will be a lot like the one in Port Orange.
I am in Seattle this weekend and decided to give Red Robin a try again. Confirms my earlier comments. All of the orginal menu items, more craft beers this time, but skimpy on the fries (but still unlimited refills on drinks and fries).
Not the same as Port Orange or Baltimore. Yes, yes, there are 20 thousand better places to eat in greater Seattle and I have been to quite a few. I just wanted to see if anything changed. They still have the the Bonzai Burger, but have dropped the Teriyaki Chicken Burger, which was one of my favs. I had the Guacamole bacon Burger and it was as I remembered it.
Hopefully, if time permits, I can get down to Elliotts on the Pier and get some fresh salmon.