Metro Jacksonville

Jacksonville by Neighborhood => Urban Neighborhoods => Riverside/Avondale => Topic started by: The Compound on August 12, 2008, 02:45:11 PM

Title: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: The Compound on August 12, 2008, 02:45:11 PM
What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Im curious as to what are some ideas people might have, or something you would like to see in the area that we dont already have?
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: blizz01 on August 12, 2008, 04:08:57 PM
I wish that someone could have saved Armor before they closed it (owner passed away).  I'd also like to see a REAL Irish pub.  Also, what's gonna go in the Preservation location?  Has anyone been to Vanilla's (cupcakes)?
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: The Compound on August 12, 2008, 04:13:35 PM
Quote from: blizz01 on August 12, 2008, 04:08:57 PM
I wish that someone could have saved Armor before they closed it (owner passed away).  I'd also like to see a REAL Irish pub.  Also, what's gonna go in the Preservation location?  Has anyone been to Vanilla's (cupcakes)?

Yeah Armor did pretty well, I guess they tried to sell it, but nothing happened.  Has the old Preservation location been bought yet?  Its definately a pricey spot, but very nice.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: adamh0903 on August 12, 2008, 05:24:32 PM
How do you think an Ace Hardware would do in that area? Do you think there is a market for Neighborhood DIY store.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: The Compound on August 12, 2008, 06:34:38 PM
Quote from: adamh0903 on August 12, 2008, 05:24:32 PM
How do you think an Ace Hardware would do in that area? Do you think there is a market for Neighborhood DIY store.

Lowes and Home Depot arent far. Im sure if it was close enough people would definately go, but not sure how close you could get with a somewhat larger store like that.  Actually the old Fans and Stoves space in 5points is for Sale/Lease.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: reednavy on August 12, 2008, 08:47:30 PM
The owner of Armor passed away in a grand way, well tragic grandness. He died by taking too many drugs in an Orlando hotel room and shot himself in the head. He was a drug adict to the core, and he chased his partner off basically, leaving no one to turn Armor over to when he died. Hence, the reason why they are closed, no new owner, so they had no choice. What a tragically grand exit from life, I know many details from a good friend about this. I was not really shocked to be quite honest, sad either way. You lose a life, and a great store at the same time. It will fill up quickly I'm sure with another fine tenant.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: TREE4309 on August 12, 2008, 08:55:29 PM
I'd like to see a true British or Irish pub as well.  Also, a good small/medium sized music venue (sorry Fuel...you leave a lot to desire).  How about a cool indie record store (do they even exist anymore?) or a funky used furniture/home decor store or a retro shoe store or a music instrument shop or a liquor store that had a ton of imported beers (sorry European street...I prefer my bottled beer cold and not so dusty and overpriced).
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: fpj on August 13, 2008, 12:37:50 AM
Quote from: TREE4309 on August 12, 2008, 08:55:29 PM
I'd like to see a true British or Irish pub as well.  Also, a good small/medium sized music venue (sorry Fuel...you leave a lot to desire).  How about a cool indie record store (do they even exist anymore?) or a funky used furniture/home decor store or a retro shoe store or a music instrument shop or a liquor store that had a ton of imported beers (sorry European street...I prefer my bottled beer cold and not so dusty and overpriced).

A place called The Underground is opening sometime next month in the now closed bookstore on Beach Blvd that sounds like what you are after.  Other than that, jump into the way back machine and return to Five Points about 15 years ago :)

-fpj
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: David on August 13, 2008, 01:09:18 AM
Quote from: fpj on August 13, 2008, 12:37:50 AM
Quote from: TREE4309 on August 12, 2008, 08:55:29 PM
I'd like to see a true British or Irish pub as well.  Also, a good small/medium sized music venue (sorry Fuel...you leave a lot to desire).  How about a cool indie record store (do they even exist anymore?) or a funky used furniture/home decor store or a retro shoe store or a music instrument shop or a liquor store that had a ton of imported beers (sorry European street...I prefer my bottled beer cold and not so dusty and overpriced).

A place called The Underground is opening sometime next month in the now closed bookstore on Beach Blvd that sounds like what you are after.  Other than that, jump into the way back machine and return to Five Points about 15 years ago :)

-fpj

Very true fpj.

It just sucks that after you get back from a major city visit, they still have all of these things that jax had over a decade ago and lost such as the cd/vinyl stores, unique furniture stores and (not overpriced) clothing shops. Aside from not having a major nightlife desintation like club5, I think 5 points isn't doing so bad these days. Lots and lots of delicious food to be had in the area, a constant stream of youthful energy & it seems the overall momentum is building as well.


Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: tashi on August 13, 2008, 01:16:48 AM
Quote from: adamh0903 on August 12, 2008, 05:24:32 PM
How do you think an Ace Hardware would do in that area? Do you think there is a market for Neighborhood DIY store.
I love Ace Hardware, they are the only place I could find a replacement for our very old shower curtain rod. Whenever we see one, we have to go inside to see what they have. They also have good customer service, unlike Lowes and Home Depot.

Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: fivepointy on August 13, 2008, 08:20:00 AM
A good cooking supply store with classes. Not just the really high end stuff, but also trendy things -- sort of a mix of Sur La Table, World Market. Also should carry local, handmade tableware, pottery and such. The only place to purchase anything culinary now is Williams Sonama in the malls. The store in San Marco closed a while back, and no one stepped in to fill the void.

Regular scheduled one-day Cooking classes with an emphasis on ethnic cooking would be really popular. Only place to get cooking classes now in Jax is the Publix Aprons program over in Mandarin. They fill up months in advance. Also classes specific to our historic homes/kitchens (Gourment cooking on a hot plate while waiting for your kitchen to be renovated?)

Due to the proximity of the hospitals, classes in diabetic and heart healthy cooking would be well received, and fill a real need. Right now, patients/families are just handed diet plans, and go out with no idea how to make really good food that someone wants to eat.

Oh yea--baking classes too. Hearth pizza, rustic breads. The store would need a teaching kitchen and a good hearth oven too. Renovating some restaurant (The empty Preservation Chophouse?) would be great. Could even have a small gourmet deli incorporated into the store (use the bookstore coffeehouse model).

Wow--I'm so excited just writing this I might have to get this going myself!

Sorry to ramble on...
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: jaxlore on August 13, 2008, 12:01:25 PM
"How about a cool indie record store (do they even exist anymore?)"

I wish, alas all people do is hang out these places anymore no one really buys anything except for the few hunters and collectors. There are very few places to hang and just shoot the $#!+ about music anymore. Hence the three or four that have tried and gone under in the last 3 years.

How about a good Indian restaurant. We really need a Vegetarian\Vegan Restaurant as well.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: stephElf on August 13, 2008, 12:22:30 PM
Quote from: jaxlore on August 13, 2008, 12:01:25 PM
"How about a cool indie record store (do they even exist anymore?)"

I wish, alas all people do is hang out these places anymore no one really buys anything except for the few hunters and collectors. There are very few places to hang and just shoot the $#!+ about music anymore. Hence the three or four that have tried and gone under in the last 3 years.

How about a good Indian restaurant. We really need a Vegetarian\Vegan Restaurant as well.

I agree ... a good Vegetarian restaurant would be cool.  Are there any in Jax at all? I'd like to try one
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: TREE4309 on August 13, 2008, 12:55:41 PM
Having a good veggie selection at any kind of restaurant is definitely important these days as "vegetarianism" is probably as popular as ever, but do you honestly see an all-veggie restaurant being successful in Jacksonville?  I don't, but that's just my opinion.  It seems like it would immediately be assumed to be a "hippie" restaurant and would turn off a huge portion of the potential clientele that want their meat.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: iluvolives on August 13, 2008, 01:03:46 PM
There was a vegetarian place for several years in 5 points- it was called Heartworks. I'm not sure when it closed but it's old location is now the location of the new English Pub on Lomax.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: stephElf on August 13, 2008, 01:08:10 PM
Quote from: TREE4309 on August 13, 2008, 12:55:41 PM
Having a good veggie selection at any kind of restaurant is definitely important these days as "vegetarianism" is probably as popular as ever, but do you honestly see an all-veggie restaurant being successful in Jacksonville?  I don't, but that's just my opinion.  It seems like it would immediately be assumed to be a "hippie" restaurant and would turn off a huge portion of the potential clientele that want their meat.

good point ... maybe just something that at least had a nice vegetarian section on their menu and generally was known for their fresh and healthy items
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: Ocklawaha on August 13, 2008, 01:30:54 PM
ACE,

How about an old stip mall redo with the unknown man in mind? Example, follow your wife to the mall and how many panties and bras can one person see in a single day? Gone are the good old, stuff for guys departments, JC Penny tools, sports etc...

OCKLAWAHA'S FORMULA:
Talke one old funky plaza
Add cosmetic facelift, green spaces etc...

Anchor it with ACE on one end and something like Radio Shack on the other.
Add

Computer store, the kind geeks like, with lots of toys, like a local chain
Game Store, everything from board games to the latest cosmic gadgets
Sports Store, a great selection of clothes and a bit of everything... "Fencing too!"
Classic Music Store
Good Food places
A REAL well stocked old time hobby shop, with full lines of RC, trains, models, ships etc...
Add in a Brookstone or similar

Stir the pot,

Jump back and retire! COUNT THE MONEY!

THE MAN MALL!


OCKLAWAHA
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: The Compound on August 13, 2008, 01:36:56 PM
Quote from: Ocklawaha on August 13, 2008, 01:30:54 PM
ACE,

How about an old stip mall redo with the unknown man in mind? Example, follow your wife to the mall and how many panties and bras can one person see in a single day? Gone are the good old, stuff for guys departments, JC Penny tools, sports etc...

OCKLAWAHA'S FORMULA:
Talke one old funky plaza
Add cosmetic facelift, green spaces etc...

Anchor it with ACE on one end and something like Radio Shack on the other.
Add

Computer store, the kind geeks like, with lots of toys, like a local chain
Game Store, everything from board games to the latest cosmic gadgets
Sports Store, a great selection of clothes and a bit of everything... "Fencing too!"
Classic Music Store
Good Food places
A REAL well stocked old time hobby shop, with full lines of RC, trains, models, ships etc...
Add in a Brookstone or similar

Stir the pot,

Jump back and retire! COUNT THE MONEY!

THE MAN MALL!


OCKLAWAHA

No room for that mess in Riverside or Avondale.  lol
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: Ocklawaha on August 13, 2008, 01:54:14 PM
QuoteNo room for that mess in Riverside or Avondale. LOL

Sure there is, but we must think out of the box to become a true urban city.

Example,

Long strip of old warehouses along Park beween 5-Points and Brooklyn/Water Street any one of them could set off the boom.

Francis Lytle, My God, what an opportunity... Give it the rebound in economy class, keep the walls and floors and go up inside with an economical steel building and new roof.

I don't think ACE or Myself was ever thinking on the scale of a Lowes or Home Depot, rather the small neighborhood stores that don't have much of anything, but, always have a little bit of EVERYTHING!

Also follow the old streetcar routes, there are scores of buildings circa 1920 that have 3-8 doors in them that sit in silence.  


OCKLAWAHA
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: Bazooka Tooth on August 13, 2008, 02:05:06 PM
Quote from: Ocklawaha on August 13, 2008, 01:30:54 PM
ACE,

How about an old stip mall redo with the unknown man in mind? Example, follow your wife to the mall and how many panties and bras can one person see in a single day? Gone are the good old, stuff for guys departments, JC Penny tools, sports etc...

OCKLAWAHA'S FORMULA:
Talke one old funky plaza
Add cosmetic facelift, green spaces etc...

Anchor it with ACE on one end and something like Radio Shack on the other.
Add

Computer store, the kind geeks like, with lots of toys, like a local chain
Game Store, everything from board games to the latest cosmic gadgets
Sports Store, a great selection of clothes and a bit of everything... "Fencing too!"
Classic Music Store
Good Food places
A REAL well stocked old time hobby shop, with full lines of RC, trains, models, ships etc...
Add in a Brookstone or similar

Stir the pot,

Jump back and retire! COUNT THE MONEY!

THE MAN MALL!


OCKLAWAHA


So, turn Riverside into the boring, soul-less Southside? GREAT idea-- not.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: The Compound on August 13, 2008, 02:11:56 PM
Quote from: Ocklawaha on August 13, 2008, 01:54:14 PM
QuoteNo room for that mess in Riverside or Avondale. LOL

Sure there is, but we must think out of the box to become a true urban city.

Example,

Long strip of old warehouses along Park beween 5-Points and Brooklyn/Water Street any one of them could set off the boom.

Francis Lytle, My God, what an opportunity... Give it the rebound in economy class, keep the walls and floors and go up inside with an economical steel building and new roof.

I don't think ACE or Myself was ever thinking on the scale of a Lowes or Home Depot, rather the small neighborhood stores that don't have much of anything, but, always have a little bit of EVERYTHING!

Also follow the old streetcar routes, there are scores of buildings circa 1920 that have 3-8 doors in them that sit in silence.  


OCKLAWAHA

Yes I agree, In the Brooklyn area, not Riverside.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: gatorback on August 13, 2008, 02:50:24 PM
small gallery with variuos local artist.  that would be nice.  again.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: nestliving on August 13, 2008, 05:12:52 PM
Quote from: gatorback on August 13, 2008, 02:50:24 PM
small gallery with variuos local artist.  that would be nice.  again.


you already have one. flux has been open for month's now.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: gatorback on August 13, 2008, 05:29:22 PM
cool...any pic's from flux around? 
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: nestliving on August 13, 2008, 09:44:24 PM
Quote from: gatorback on August 13, 2008, 05:29:22 PM
cool...any pic's from flux around? 

http://www.fluxjacksonville.com/
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: gatorback on August 13, 2008, 11:17:09 PM
Quote from: wwanderlust on August 13, 2008, 07:54:11 PM
More sushi restaurants. At least 10 more.

;D

I agree.  In fact, a few others on this very forum have wanted more .....
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: konstantconsumer on August 14, 2008, 12:14:23 AM
Indian, Thai, or Vietnamese food would be great.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: TREE4309 on August 14, 2008, 08:26:59 AM
Agree with the Indian and Thai.  A GOOD mexican restaurant would be nice, too.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: cayohueso on August 14, 2008, 01:44:57 PM
A hardware store with a good mix of quality plumbing, electrical, etc. supplies would be good. A Shane's Sandwich Shop or The Sheik for cheap breakfast and lunch. Throw in An Alladin's Castle circa 1983 and let's just call in sick.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: Captain Zissou on August 14, 2008, 02:03:36 PM
Avondale has the fox for breakfast, which is delicious.  I would personally like to see Chipotle or Burrito gallery open in Riverside, in 1661 would be ideal.  Otherwise, a replacement for Armor, or just a good men's casual clothing store. 

To get really crazy, I'd like to see the Commander apartment project pushed through and that riverfront area redone.  As it is, that place is dead except for the Loop.  That design wasn't as bad as people thought, and it would have done a significant amount for the area.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: RiversideGator on August 14, 2008, 06:15:13 PM
I have an amazing plan for that area.  The only thing stopping me - no money.   :D
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: nicktooch on August 14, 2008, 07:39:43 PM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on August 14, 2008, 02:03:36 PM
Avondale has the fox for breakfast, which is delicious.  I would personally like to see Chipotle or Burrito gallery open in Riverside, in 1661 would be ideal.  Otherwise, a replacement for Armor, or just a good men's casual clothing store. 

I wish we had a great men's casual clothing store ANYWHERE lol especially in 5 pts.  there are at least 5 women's cutesy lil stores and the only thing for men is half of Wolfgang lol.  Now if i could only open a store specializing in the opposite of Big and Tall... Short & Small lol.  i think i'd make a killing...
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: JeffreyS on August 16, 2008, 08:46:48 AM
A creperie it sounded like strange concept to me but I tried it in St. Louis and its great. A thousand meals all made with crepes. I had a buffalo chicken crepe and my wife had an Italian creation. We went back the next morning for more traditional breakfast crepes.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: JeffreyS on August 16, 2008, 08:48:55 AM
Of course I would also love to see a street car "Small" business in Riverside.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: JeffreyS on August 16, 2008, 08:50:15 AM
Maybe crepes served on street cars.  You could feed me while taking me to work. ;D
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: gatorback on August 25, 2008, 11:18:24 AM
a TCYB
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: The Compound on August 25, 2008, 12:14:37 PM
Quote from: gatorback on August 25, 2008, 11:18:24 AM
a TCYB

What happened with all the yogurt shops? Seems like it was a trend in the late 80s and then they all disappeared.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: TREE4309 on August 25, 2008, 12:51:52 PM
You can get a hundred different kinds of frozen yogurt at the grocery store now, not to mention the economy crushing people's expendable income.  I'm sure going out for dessert isn't high on most people's list of priorities.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: gatorback on August 25, 2008, 02:00:03 PM
Fish & Chips?  Where are the fish places in the area.  There was one at King Street...not sure if it's still there.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: fpj on August 27, 2008, 04:50:07 PM
Quote from: gatorback on August 25, 2008, 02:00:03 PM
Fish & Chips?  Where are the fish places in the area.  There was one at King Street...not sure if it's still there.

Ragland's has great fish and chips.

-fpj
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: jaxlore on August 27, 2008, 04:55:52 PM
has anyone been to http://www.thebungalowonpark.com/
supposed to be really good although i have yet to make it over there,
heard they usually have some good veggie dishes on the menu...

kudos on flux i went in there one afternoon and really was digging there style!
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: fsu813 on August 27, 2008, 05:20:48 PM
3 Things:

1) Bookstore. It would make a killing.

2) Computer store. It would make a killing.

3) A Club. There are plenty of restautant bar type places around. There's not a typical high-end, trendy club around. Nearest is downtown. Wouldn't make a killing, but it would do ok and fill a void.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: TREE4309 on August 28, 2008, 06:13:15 PM
Well, there is Eclipse.
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: ebeard on August 28, 2008, 09:42:54 PM
1. Bakery
2. Brewpub
3. Indian Restaurant
4. Small hardware store
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: fpj on September 13, 2008, 10:28:21 AM
Quote from: ebeard on August 28, 2008, 09:42:54 PM
1. Bakery
2. Brewpub
3. Indian Restaurant
4. Small hardware store

1. There are bakeries on Edgewood as well as in the shopping area along Fishweir Creek on St. Johns Avenue.  Plus the widely known Let Them Eat Cake, Sheila's, etc.
2. Kickbacks and Ragland's have over 100 beers on draft and who knows how many bottles combined and hopefully will be carrying Bold City's drafts once they become widely available.
3. I would love to see an Indian Restaurant on this side of the river.
4. Curry Thomas has had a hardware store right off the corner of Edgewood and Post for decades.

-fpj
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: Ernest Street on September 14, 2008, 12:38:35 AM
A new Walden books or something similar would be nice,maybe on king street so it won't kill the newstand next to wallstreet It's an institution, it is one of the only 5-points originals left.   
Title: Re: What is a small business you would like to see in Riverside/Avondale?
Post by: Jimmy Olsen on September 14, 2008, 12:53:37 AM
Quote from: The Compound on August 25, 2008, 12:14:37 PM
What happened with all the yogurt shops? Seems like it was a trend in the late 80s and then they all disappeared.

You would think there would be more with the boom in healthy living. I personally love soft serve yogurt, probably from working at Dairy Queen in high school (They also stopped serving Yogurt a few years back).