https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/candy-apple-cafe-and-cocktails-permanently-closed
I was worried about that when I saw the candy store was closing for almost two months. Not many restaurants can survive that long of a closure (I am surprised Bistro Aix was able to reopen).
Massive blow for downtown.
Loved Candy Apple.
Was a genuine, unique asset to the CBD.
I sincerely hope that someone comes up with a way to save Candy Apple.
The place was always packed, the staff was amazing, and it's gotta be one of the most beloved restaurants in the city.
There's just no reason that they should have to shut it down because of repairs.
Surely it benefits Sweet Pete's to have all that foot traffic from Candy Apple as well.
That is heart breaking.
I hope they find a way to reopen the restaurant, under this name or another, once the repairs are done.
Quote from: dp8541 on August 30, 2018, 03:12:57 PM
I was worried about that when I saw the candy store was closing for almost two months. Not many restaurants can survive that long of a closure (I am surprised Bistro Aix was able to reopen).
Bistro Aix may have had insurance in the event of a natural disaster. Not sure.
In jacksonville.com a few weeks ago, Candy Apple had many violations, many serious in the worst restaurant inspections of that week. Perhaps that was part of it.
Quote from: floridaal on August 30, 2018, 04:41:38 PM
In jacksonville.com a few weeks ago, Candy Apple had many violations, many serious in the worst restaurant inspections of that week. Perhaps that was part of it.
BizJournal:
"Candy Apple was leasing the space for its 95-seat restaurant from Lemonis' ML Property LLC, the owner of the building.
Shortly before announcing the temporary closing, the eatery was cited by health inspectors for rodent droppings being found on the premises.
That issue has nothing to do with the renovations of the building, said Branden Stanley, Sweet Pete's marketing director. The work being done includes refinishing the hardwood floors, replacing insulation and painting the exterior."
Quote from: Tacachale on August 30, 2018, 03:54:24 PM
I hope they find a way to reopen the restaurant, under this name or another, once the repairs are done.
It seems like downtown always goes two steps forward, then one step back! >:(
So it is just a coincidence it closed for renovations basically the same time as the bad inspection, really?
I get that they are missing a lot of revenue, but do they really have that much of a carrying cost if the restaurant is temporarily closed? Surely they aren't being charged rent during the building's closing.
My guess is that Lemonis will open up his own restaurant for additional revenue.
Interesting in that the DIA referenced Sweet Pete's success in their approval of Jones Furniture funds on Monday.
How do they not have a pulse on these things?
Quote from: DrQue on August 31, 2018, 08:46:49 AM
Interesting in that the DIA referenced Sweet Pete's success in their approval of Jones Furniture funds on Monday.
How do they not have a pulse on these things?
I don't think anyone had a pulse on this one, honestly, besides the owners.
They were talking about re-opening less than a day after their Facebook post that they were closing permanently.
Still holding out hope that this one works itself out somehow.
Seems like it would be a good investment opportunity for someone to step in and help Candy Apple out.
The more I think about it, the more this reminds me of what happened with Lillie's: http://www.jacksonville.com/business/2015-10-15/story/popular-neptune-beach-coffee-bar-lillies-announces-abrupt-closing
I thought I heard back when that happened that the Landlords thought they could take over and make more money that way. I wonder if Lemonis is thinking the same thing like JaxAvondale said.
Quote from: DrQue on August 31, 2018, 08:46:49 AM
Interesting in that the DIA referenced Sweet Pete's success in their approval of Jones Furniture funds on Monday.
How do they not have a pulse on these things?
Sweet Pete's is not the Candy Apple.
MLG is opening in the former Candy Apple space, as some hypothesized.
https://www.jaxrestaurantreviews.com/news/reality-tv-star-set-open-new-restaurant-jax/
Quote from: Bill Hoff on October 02, 2018, 09:17:17 PM
MLG is opening in the former Candy Apple space, as some hypothesized.
https://www.jaxrestaurantreviews.com/news/reality-tv-star-set-open-new-restaurant-jax/
I saw this move from a mile away.
Will miss Candy Apple, but a big fan of Roderick/Sweet Pete. Hopefully he'll have some of his signature specials on the menu from time to time.
This is the best news i've heard in a while! Crack and cheese and steak tips followed by some sea salt caramels and peanut butter meltaways!!!
I smell something fishy here. Lemonis owns the building, candy apple is cited for health violations by inspectors, renovations being done on the building and candy apple has to close during that period, but can't reopen possibly because of too much time being closed (possibly), and/or health violations (who knows?). I believe Lemonis saw dollar signs and under handedly, and behind the scenes, figured out a way to get candy apple to close. Just sounds and looks like a tuna, herring, and mackerel, sitting out in the sun for a week, to me.
The proprietors of the Candy Apple simply did not want to hold over until the place could reopen. Trying to keep a staff in place was an almost near impossibility and unfair really to expect the staff not to find work elsewhere.
I can assure subletting a restaurant space is certainly much easier for the Lemonis Group than running a restaurant and this was just unfortunate situation of such an extended closing.
The only thing that struck me as a little odd was the sudden change of heart by Candy Apple. One night, they post that the restaurant is closing indefinitely for repairs, but will be reopening as soon as they're done. The very next morning, they post that the restaurant is closing forever.
Not that either is particularly likely, but to me, if we're talking conspiracy, a buyout is just as likely as a squeeze-out.
Target Reopen is "before Christmas"
https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2018/10/04/sweet-petes-releases-renovation-details-plans-to.html?ana=e_ae_set1&s=article_du&ed=2018-10-04&u=sD9MMQJ5aqzS%2FF7ux8TElw07e67c32&t=1538681293&j=84214521
Went over to MLG for the first time today for lunch.
Big step down from Candy Apple, in my humble opinion.
The food was really good, but there's just kind of a weird vibe in there.
It doesn't fit with the candy shop vibe at all.
^I agree completely. The food is fantastic, but the overall vibe is a bit strange.
Well...after 5 months, MLG is now closed.
Wow. I never got a chance to try them out.
^Consider yourself lucky.
They never should have squeezed Candy Apple out.
Place was constantly packed out, a Sunday brunch staple, and the perfect complement to Sweet Pete's.
Never made sense to replace a whimsical, tremendously on-brand, candy-themed restaurant with a lifeless contemporary space serving bland $20 salads and having roughly the romance and vibe of the waiting room at a dentist's office.
I hear FSCJ's 20 West is also closing in June.
Doesn't seem the survival rate is very good for downtown. Food business is always tough but maybe tougher downtown? What are the longest running restaurants there (not counting the River Club :) ). I guess some in the Landing but now they come to an end too.
^Hate to say it because I love the restoration and the concept, but 20 West was pretty awful too. Weird ambiance, not particularly comfortable to be in, and overpriced food, particularly for a restaurant advertised as student training.
I actually don't think the scene is as bad as you think. I think it's just like anywhere else - the cream rises and does well, the unoriginal/overpriced/questionable quality restaurants do not.
You had to make reservations to guarantee a lunch spot at Candy Apple it was so popular. A couple months later, you'd practically be dining alone if you went to MLG for lunch.
Places like Bellwether, Cowford, Happy Grilled Cheese, Jimmy Johns, Zodiac, Tossgreen, Indochine, Burrito Gallery, Superfood, Magnificat, Olio, Desert Rider, and even Chamblin's have lines out the door at lunch time. The food trucks in Hemming and the courtyard look like they're doing great business too.
The Landing restaurants mostly fell into the "dead because they're awful" not "dead because of their location" category.
With the exception of places like Nature's Table that no one even knows about because of the stupid sign ordinance, I think blaming the general downtown market for any restaurant's failure is just an easy crutch.
The taco restaurant and pizza place have one of the best locations in the city directly between the Federal and County courthouses, but they're permanently on the brink of closure because they're trash and one out of every three entrees comes with a dead rat on top.
Quiznos can complain about food trucks cutting into their business, but the restaurant smells like a dumpster and no one seems to care.
You'd have to order six different entrees at Adam's Street Deli before you'd find one that was actually in stock.
Big Pete's looks like a legitimate warzone on the inside, I constantly expect a random cinderblock to fall on my head at any time when I'm in there, and I'm fairly certain they serve leftover Hungry Howies, but at least they know the market, have a super nice staff, a bring a legitimate value prop to the table (unapologetically cheap food in an area where the lunch tab hovers between $12 and $25).
Ditto Desert Rider, whose store is nothing special to look at, but has built a fiercely loyal customer base on the back of great service, solid food, and a great cookie gimmick.
Candy Apple notwithstanding, I am having a hard time thinking of a single restaurant that's closed downtown in the last year that didn't deserve to close and that wouldn't have suffered the same fate at the St. Johns Town Center.
You can stick Aramark food at the top of an office tower, but it's still Aramark food.
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on May 15, 2019, 09:49:20 PM
I hear FSCJ's 20 West is also closing in June.
Doesn't seem the survival rate is very good for downtown. Food business is always tough but maybe tougher downtown? What are the longest running restaurants there (not counting the River Club :) ). I guess some in the Landing but now they come to an end too.
Welcome to Lenny Curry's downtown strategy - where Daily's Place is the foundation for revitalization
Quote from: KenFSU on May 15, 2019, 10:25:54 PM
The taco restaurant and pizza place have one of the best locations in the city directly between the Federal and County courthouses, but they're permanently on the brink of closure because they're trash and one out of every three entrees comes with a dead rat on top.
I've only gotten food poisoning from one restaurant in Jacksonville: the pizza place at that location. I think it has changed hands several times since then, but I'm not going to risk it until they go a few months without a health code violation.
3rd closure this week downtown: Mocha Misk'i.
The taco place closed months ago, pizza is still there. Whispers is almost ready to open, although it seems to be a strange location for an oyster and crab bar.
Would be ashame if 20 West Cafe closes before the Barnett apartments & offices open. You'd think they'd get a significant boost once it opens.
But....isn't that run by FSCJ? They going to kick themselves out of their own building?
Quote from: jaxlongtimer on May 16, 2019, 03:48:00 PM
3rd closure this week downtown: Mocha Misk'i.
Mayor Curry's #winning downtown strategy continues
Quote from: Bill Hoff on May 16, 2019, 05:13:20 PM
Would be ashame if 20 West Cafe closes before the Barnett apartments & offices open. You'd think they'd get a significant boost once it opens.
But....isn't that run by FSCJ? They going to kick themselves out of their own building?
Thought the same thing. Seems odd lol.
I ate at MLG a couple times because of my love for chef Roderick. Food was good, but the atmosphere was awful. They repainted the Candy Apple chairs and hung some bland art on the walls and called it a day. It seemed like they spent as little as possible. I always assumed the decor was temporary, but the permanent never showed up. It was really weird. I'm sure he'll find a new gig because his food is awesome. Maybe he'll go back to Jax Diner.
Quote from: sanmarcomatt on May 17, 2019, 09:24:40 AM
Quote from: Captain Zissou on May 17, 2019, 09:17:03 AM
I ate at MLG a couple times because of my love for chef Roderick. I'm sure he'll find a new gig because his food is awesome. Maybe he'll go back to Jax Diner.
Luckily, Savannah is a quick trip. He is going to Olde Pink House.
It's a lot farther than MLG is from my office, but I'm happy for him. I'll have to make a trip to go see him.
And now the whole building is for sale:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/historic-sweet-petes-building-in-downtown-jacksonville-is-for-sale
Maybe because Sugarfina's suit wasn't "total BS," liquidity has become a problem.
Quote from: remc86007 on May 17, 2019, 01:03:39 PM
And now the whole building is for sale:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/historic-sweet-petes-building-in-downtown-jacksonville-is-for-sale
Maybe because Sugarfina's suit wasn't "total BS," liquidity has become a problem.
You know what's a smarter public investment than tearing down the Landing? Bringing the Seminole Club under city ownership, charging Sweet Pete's a reasonable rent, and helping the former Candy Apple owners re-launch the restaurant.
Best downtown addition this decade in terms of drawing outsiders in, and one of very, very, very public establishments fronting Hemming Park.
You don't even have to knock anything down.
Quote from: remc86007 on May 17, 2019, 01:03:39 PM
And now the whole building is for sale:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/historic-sweet-petes-building-in-downtown-jacksonville-is-for-sale
Maybe because Sugarfina's suit wasn't "total BS," liquidity has become a problem.
I was thinking the same. The timing of losing the lawsuit and the sale probably isn't a coincidence. I'd bet there are some other factors, too. What sort of condition is the building in? Afterall they just closed it to remediate serious problems with water getting into the wood. What sort of work may be needed on that place in the not so distant future?
Quote from: KenFSU on May 17, 2019, 03:01:37 PM
Quote from: remc86007 on May 17, 2019, 01:03:39 PM
And now the whole building is for sale:
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/historic-sweet-petes-building-in-downtown-jacksonville-is-for-sale
Maybe because Sugarfina's suit wasn't "total BS," liquidity has become a problem.
You know what's a smarter public investment than tearing down the Landing? Bringing the Seminole Club under city ownership, charging Sweet Pete's a reasonable rent, and helping the former Candy Apple owners re-launch the restaurant.
Best downtown addition this decade in terms of drawing outsiders in, and one of very, very, very public establishments fronting Hemming Park.
You don't even have to knock anything down.
THIS x 1000%
But, but, but, how can they close the landing!?
Yet, this will be yet another vacant storefront within a short walking distance from it even after the landing disappears. Face it folks, the reality is, that beyond the realms of a loud minority on this forum and one or two blogs there is just no appetite from the masses to create a nightlife scene in the immediate urban core. No matter how many times you polish a turd. Last throw of the dice for the foreseeable future for the downtown area is Lot J and to be fair, I'd much rather hedge my bets there when those venue anchored projects are appearing with success all over the country than throw money at a proven loser like the landing or the hordes of empty storefronts all around there.
Quote from: minder on May 24, 2019, 08:55:46 PM
But, but, but, how can they close the landing!?
Yet, this will be yet another vacant storefront within a short walking distance from it even after the landing disappears. Face it folks, the reality is, that beyond the realms of a loud minority on this forum and one or two blogs there is just no appetite from the masses to create a nightlife scene in the immediate urban core. No matter how many times you polish a turd. Last throw of the dice for the foreseeable future for the downtown area is Lot J and to be fair, I'd much rather hedge my bets there when those venue anchored projects are appearing with success all over the country than throw money at a proven loser like the landing or the hordes of empty storefronts all around there.
Guess you've never been to Five Points if you think there's no "appetite" for nightlife in the urban core. It's much more lively all week long than Lot J will be anytime in the foreseeable future.
Quote from: minder on May 24, 2019, 08:55:46 PM
But, but, but, how can they close the landing!?
Yet, this will be yet another vacant storefront within a short walking distance from it even after the landing disappears. Face it folks, the reality is, that beyond the realms of a loud minority on this forum and one or two blogs there is just no appetite from the masses to create a nightlife scene in the immediate urban core. No matter how many times you polish a turd. Last throw of the dice for the foreseeable future for the downtown area is Lot J and to be fair, I'd much rather hedge my bets there when those venue anchored projects are appearing with success all over the country than throw money at a proven loser like the landing or the hordes of empty storefronts all around there.
Serious question: Have you ever been anywhere outside of Jacksonville?
Quote from: minder on May 24, 2019, 08:55:46 PM
But, but, but, how can they close the landing!?
Yet, this will be yet another vacant storefront within a short walking distance from it even after the landing disappears. Face it folks, the reality is, that beyond the realms of a loud minority on this forum and one or two blogs there is just no appetite from the masses to create a nightlife scene in the immediate urban core. No matter how many times you polish a turd. Last throw of the dice for the foreseeable future for the downtown area is Lot J and to be fair, I'd much rather hedge my bets there when those venue anchored projects are appearing with success all over the country than throw money at a proven loser like the landing or the hordes of empty storefronts all around there.
My friend who left Jax to live in Greenville 15 years ago (after being born and raised here) still cannot believe the city has failed to do anything to capitalize on the river, other than being able to walk over the bridges and see the amazing views. I mean, Greenville had a freeway covering the falls that had to be torn down (to much consternation, at the time). Jax has a river. A wide, beautiful river.
I live in Burbank, CA. We have no river. We have a lively downtown with restaurants, movie theaters, and a population of around 100k. This isn't some special Los Angeles thing. There are a couple of big, free - FREE - parking garages, and so people from around town (families mostly) drive downtown, see a movie, have dinner, stroll along the storefronts, have ice cream... it's great. There is no giant One Thing that made it happen. Lots of small businesses (and, yeah, some chains.... even, gasp, a FUDDRUCKERS). It's well-lit, there are no issues getting a business opened, and we have a giant freeway right next to downtown... not a beautiful river!
Jax could make this happen easily and that's the frustrating part. Nobody with any vision is ever in charge.
^ Its easier here
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/10-six-grille-intends-to-replace-former-candy-apple-cafe-in-the-seminole-building
Quote from: Bativac on May 25, 2019, 02:20:07 PM
Quote from: minder on May 24, 2019, 08:55:46 PM
But, but, but, how can they close the landing!?
Yet, this will be yet another vacant storefront within a short walking distance from it even after the landing disappears. Face it folks, the reality is, that beyond the realms of a loud minority on this forum and one or two blogs there is just no appetite from the masses to create a nightlife scene in the immediate urban core. No matter how many times you polish a turd. Last throw of the dice for the foreseeable future for the downtown area is Lot J and to be fair, I'd much rather hedge my bets there when those venue anchored projects are appearing with success all over the country than throw money at a proven loser like the landing or the hordes of empty storefronts all around there.
My friend who left Jax to live in Greenville 15 years ago (after being born and raised here) still cannot believe the city has failed to do anything to capitalize on the river, other than being able to walk over the bridges and see the amazing views. I mean, Greenville had a freeway covering the falls that had to be torn down (to much consternation, at the time). Jax has a river. A wide, beautiful river.
I live in Burbank, CA. We have no river. We have a lively downtown with restaurants, movie theaters, and a population of around 100k. This isn't some special Los Angeles thing. There are a couple of big, free - FREE - parking garages, and so people from around town (families mostly) drive downtown, see a movie, have dinner, stroll along the storefronts, have ice cream... it's great. There is no giant One Thing that made it happen. Lots of small businesses (and, yeah, some chains.... even, gasp, a FUDDRUCKERS). It's well-lit, there are no issues getting a business opened, and we have a giant freeway right next to downtown... not a beautiful river!
Jax could make this happen easily and that's the frustrating part. Nobody with any vision is ever in charge.
It isn't just the leadership without vision - most of the local population lacks it also.
Most of the local population lacks it in OKC, Greenville, Charlotte and just about any other city one can think of. The average Joe Blow in each city could care less about this type of stuff. Pull the petty part of our local politics out of the equation and work with the market and things will naturally take care of themselves.
It isn't about the locals stopping progress, it is the leadership that has to accomplish it. The desires of the masses are rarely regarded. If you don't believe that just look at the City/School Board fiasco.
People have to SEE something they like, before they realize that is something they actually want. They can even see it somewhere else, but think it can't be done where they live.
There was not a popular uprising that lead to the renaissance of DT Greenville. It was visionary leadership that developed a plan and implemented it.
Make no mistake though, now that it is in place, EVERYONE understands the vision, enjoys the benefits, and most of all takes pride in it. It would be the same in Jacksonville, once it is tangibly achieved.
Quote from: Ken_FSU on September 05, 2019, 03:19:29 PM
https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/article/10-six-grille-intends-to-replace-former-candy-apple-cafe-in-the-seminole-building
Nice! Should be a good fit.
Another black eye and sucker punch for downtown. It seems to never ever stop.
Quote from: heights unknown on September 06, 2019, 02:01:39 PM
Another black eye and sucker punch for downtown. It seems to never ever stop.
Way to read the thread title and nothing else...
Best part is that you've ALREADY COMMENTED ON THIS THREAD.
Quote from: Captain Zissou on September 06, 2019, 02:15:27 PM
Quote from: heights unknown on September 06, 2019, 02:01:39 PM
Another black eye and sucker punch for downtown. It seems to never ever stop.
Way to read the thread title and nothing else...
Would be funny if Heights actually did read the article, but just really can't stand restaurateur Russ Disparti.