Derby on Park: A new lease on life for Derby House?

[RiversideLoki]

CompoundJoe "liked" this on his facebook feed. First I've heard of it. It appears that Zack and Mike from Secret Garden on Beach Blvd. are going to be taking over Derby House.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Derby-on-Park/145651548852369?sk=wall

Hey guys...it is Mike and Zack of Secret Garden. We want to invite you to follow the progress of our new venture "Derby on Park" a new spin on a 5pts landmark. We have recently acquired the old Derby House in Historic 5pts, and look forward to bringing you a new Riverside dining option. Stay tuned!

This is great news, IMO. Secret Garden is one of my favorite brunch spots!

[copperfiend]

Is the Secret Garden staying open?

[Garden guy]

I hate to say it because i've been going to the Derby since i was 3...literally...but their food never was above average...but it was usually fast and friendly..those peolple became like family which makes is so hard to state that they really need someone to take it over. I'm getting tired of spending 10bucks on the most basic breakfast. Good luck to them all and i will continue to go no matter...the space deserves to be kept. I remember eating there after the bars back when they stayed open...ah the old days.

[fieldafm]

I mentioned this today on the 'Store Closings' thread.

[ChriswUfGator]

What a cool location for a real restaurant. Derby was an institution, but the food was never great. These guys are known for their food.

[Dog Walker]

They are keeping on most of the staff and will add their own, but will change the menu and the interior.  Going to three meals per day. 7AM to 9PM.  Derbyque will turn into their bakery since the current kitchen can't hold it.  Maybe retail outlet for baked goods?

There are a few things on their current menu that everyone hopes they will keep.

Derby is going to be closed 4 to 6 weeks for the remodel.

One of the new owners grew up in Riverside and they are anxious to be part of our 5 Points village.  Seem like bright, sincere guys.  They obviously know what they are doing.

If you are looking for a change and a quiet place, 5 Points Coffee & Spice on Lomax is serving lunch again.  Be nice to their cook.  He is bigger than your refrigerator.

[Jumpinjack]

Food at the Derby House was never glorified food - but it was good hot solid food for a good price. Country bacon, and grits, eggs, and waffles for breakfast. Hot dogs and slaw, meat loaf and potatoes, liver and onions for lunch. Fried steak, fried fish and okra and tomatoes weekly specials. 

Coffee was always refilled quickly, waitresses friendly and full of chat, and a good place to eat and visit  with Riverside working people.  People who were regulars knew all the Riverside gossip within 15 minutes of being there. I've seen the waitresses feed the homeless in need of a good meal and the cooks carry hot coffee across the street to someone in need sitting on the sidewalk.

I'm glad someone who cares about people and the community will be buying the place. Farewell Derby House, Welcome to the new owners.

[John P]

Only the Fox and Crazy egg remain as authentic diner joints in that part of town now.

[ben says]

I hate to be 'that guy' who makes the threads all off-track and disjointed, but sheesh, when the hell with a Bowl of Pho or some Indian place come to our side of town!!! It's getting downright depressing. Hate having to drive to Baymeadows for all the 'fun' food...Riverside/5 Points/King Street District/Avondale/Stockton is become such a cool, self contained, urban area. Pele's, Carmine's, the bars, the Avondale strip, 13 Gypsies, Bakery Moderne...the list goes on. All I'm asking for is a little ethnic food to complement our booming side of town. Is that so much to ask?!

And, for anyone whose interested, I was talking to the owners of India's Restaurant (I know, what a name...) the other day about maybe opening up a second location in 5 Points. He says they've thought about it countless times, knows it'll take off, but the owners of the empty spaces are asking an arm and a leg. Heard similar sentiments from the owners of Indochine (I heard they were considering opening up a stall-like, smaller, quick grab & go S.E. Asian restaurant around King or 5 Pts.

[AJpoto]

Great location deserving of good food.  If the Derby House made with its weak selection and poor to midland grub imagine what good food and liquor could do...

[Dog Walker]

That's when it was Van Fletcher's Brown Derby.  Remember Black Bottom Pie?

[JeffreyS]

Are they still going to do the live music on the deck at all?

[ubben]

Derby House strawberry pie was an institution at all my family's birthday parties. But that was a long looooong time ago. I'm glad to see a change over. Five Points DH was a dump. It's a great space and it could be awesome with some new thinking, chef, design, etc. Woohoo!

[river4340]

http://jacksonville.com/entertainment/food-and-dining/2011-08-15/story/longtime-customers-plan-renovation-derby-house?cid=hp-promo

[Kay]

I hate to be 'that guy' who makes the threads all off-track and disjointed, but sheesh, when the hell with a Bowl of Pho or some Indian place come to our side of town!!! It's getting downright depressing. Hate having to drive to Baymeadows for all the 'fun' food...Riverside/5 Points/King Street District/Avondale/Stockton is become such a cool, self contained, urban area. Pele's, Carmine's, the bars, the Avondale strip, 13 Gypsies, Bakery Moderne...the list goes on. All I'm asking for is a little ethnic food to complement our booming side of town. Is that so much to ask?!

And, for anyone whose interested, I was talking to the owners of India's Restaurant (I know, what a name...) the other day about maybe opening up a second location in 5 Points. He says they've thought about it countless times, knows it'll take off, but the owners of the empty spaces are asking an arm and a leg. Heard similar sentiments from the owners of Indochine (I heard they were considering opening up a stall-like, smaller, quick grab & go S.E. Asian restaurant around King or 5 Pts.

There is someone trying to negotiate space for an Indian restaurant in Riverside.  Keep your fingers crossed.