Hamburger Mary's coming to San Marco?

[Timkin]

 We're there dude!  I wanna check it out !   

[ben says]

Annoying as it is, I'll be the 100th person to say this. NO idea why they're moving to St. Nicholas. Springfield? Riverside? Murray Hill? Downtown?

[tufsu1]

Annoying as it is, I'll be the 100th person to say this. NO idea why they're moving to St. Nicholas. Springfield? Riverside? Murray Hill? Downtown?

umm...because St. Nicholas is still the urban core (it is adjacent to San Marco after all)....and, oh yeah, there's already a fully equipped restaurant space with good visibility and parking.

[The Compound]

Annoying as it is, I'll be the 100th person to say this. NO idea why they're moving to St. Nicholas. Springfield? Riverside? Murray Hill? Downtown?

umm...because St. Nicholas is still the urban core (it is adjacent to San Marco after all)....and, oh yeah, there's already a fully equipped restaurant space with good visibility and parking.

But with its 'gay theme' it seems kind of out place over there. Seems like it would do better in Riverside/murray hill area closer to all the gay bars.  I know they said they are trying to cater to everyone, but still... I hope they can survive that cursed spot though.

[ben says]

Never think of St. Nicholas as being 'in the core'--but yes, you're right. My bad.

And I guess my thinking is a tad on the myopic side, but like The Compound, I just assumed Riverside/Murray Hill would make more sense, and anyone whose done the slightest bit of market research would see that.

[Jimmy]

Looking at census data, voting patterns, and several donor and other lists that I have access to, Riverside is definitely the LGBT epicenter of Jacksonville.  Historically so.

However, there are pockets in Springfield, Murray Hill, San Marco that would also be expected.  What's interesting is that like a lot of other people, LGBT residents are found all over town.  Including with some concentration at the Beaches and in the vicinity of the Towncenter.

St. Nick may be as good a location as any in town the capitalize on a diverse clientele.

[ben says]

Anyone know how the food is here?

[David]

Anyone know how the food is here?

Thank you! The theme will wear off quickly if the food's crap.

[Jimmy]

I've been to their locations in Long Beach and Orlando.  The food was quite good in both locations.

[leahg]

As a homeowner in St. Nicholas, I am thrilled to welcome a new restaurant! I've heard nothing but fun and great reviews about the food/atmosphere. Although it may not be the location some people would think it would land, myself and my neighbors are excited to bring some business to our neighborhood! We have so much potential and space and look forward to more places coming our way!

[Jimmy]

Comment from one of the presumed owners at Jacksonville.com -

We choose St. Nick area, we grew up in Jacksonville and remember what a great area that was back in the 80s. So rather than go to Riverside, San Marco, or Downtown where everybody goes. We choose to help revive a area of Jax that is special to us. HAMBURGER MARY'S will bring business any where it goes, so join us in making St.Nick the new place to be..... And EAT,DRINK,and be MARY!

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/423471/gary-mills/2012-03-19/hamburger-marys-coming-jacksonville#comment-563721

[finehoe]

In addition to regular [drag] shows scheduled throughout the day, there’s always a chance for a spontaneous “YMCA” singalong, he said.

This makes it sound like they are catering to the gay community of the 1970s, not 2012. 

[ben says]

As a homeowner in St. Nicholas, I am thrilled to welcome a new restaurant! I've heard nothing but fun and great reviews about the food/atmosphere. Although it may not be the location some people would think it would land, myself and my neighbors are excited to bring some business to our neighborhood! We have so much potential and space and look forward to more places coming our way!

Your enthusiasm has me completely sold.

[britthair]

This will be a great place from everyone of all walks of life. We are looking forward to giving back to all  communities. The food is awesome and has had great success in many markets. We will keep with the Hamburger Mary's success over the last 40 years. We thank you for your great comments. There is a new bar and restaurant coming to the springfield area this summer with a totally different name. We are the only Hamburger Mary's in Jacksonville. We are looking forward to bringing something great to the St. Nick area and welcome everyone. look for our grand opening early May! 

[David]

I've seen a few people check in to Hamburger Mary's on facebook, so I assume it's open. Anyone on MJ been?