City permits have been issued to begin conversion of an abandon gas station into a seafood restaurant. Located at the northeast corner of Herschel Street and San Juan Avenue, the conversion will add nearly 1200 square feet, and renovate the existing 2600 square foot building.
The developers of the new restaurant, Rodulfo Quinones and Wyatt Griesemer, are the managers of the Eat Happy Jax food truck.
From the Business Journal article
Quote
The website for the architect, DasherHurst.com, says that Duval Fish Co. "is a small seafood restaurant located in an existing 1960s mid-century gas station at a pivotal corner of San Juan Avenue and Hershel Street."
"The adaptive reuse of the structure preserves its iconic architectural elements, such as the signature curved walls that reflect the elegance of the mid-century modern design. Inside, the atmosphere is inspired by vintage boats and nautical themes, incorporating deep blues and warm polished wood tones to create an inviting, relaxed environment," the site says.
"The restaurant's design evokes a sense of nostalgia and maritime charm, with details that reference the spirit of the sea and classic boating interiors. The space offers a perfect balance between honoring the history of the gas station and introducing a fresh, contemporary twist suited to a dynamic, coastal city."
Might be behind pay wall, sorry: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2025/jun/30/duval-fish-co-lands-permits-for-closed-fairfax-gas-station/
Looking at the renderings in the article, I hope they either have some serious tinting on that window wall facing Herschel or some blinds they can lower. Those west-facing windows will be brutal every afternoon.
Although there will only be 7 on-site parking spaces for the 80-seat restaurant, there are a handful of on-street spaces on Herschel Street, and the restaurant has permission to use part of the adjacent grass parking lot for the Presbyterian Church in the next block (north of, not east, per the JBJ reporter).
A happy change for this corner. I've been surprised noone has used this space for so long! It's a fairly busy corner for peds and cars.