If you cook, they will come: Olio restaurant’s Courthouse shuttle service debuts

[aubureck]

Now this is awesome!

http://jaxdailyrecord.com/downtowntoday.php?dt_date=2012-06-21

A new kind of “food truck” debuted Wednesday Downtown when the Olio Courthouse Shuttle made its maiden voyage.
Instead of taking the food to the people, the shuttle takes the people to the food and then takes them back to work.

The 31-seat luxury shuttle bus provides complimentary round-trip transportation between the new Duval County Courthouse along Adams Street and the restaurant in Churchwell Lofts on Bay Street across from the former courthouse.

Olio owner and chef Greg DeSanto said he came up with the idea to ensure that his customers who work in the courthouse could continue to have lunch at the restaurant.

“The service is free. Just get on the shuttle at the new courthouse, have lunch and then show your receipt when you get back on the shuttle,” said DeSanto.

The service is available 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday. Each leg of the trip is five minutes or less, allowing plenty of time for lunch, he said.

DeSanto said the pickup times will be adjusted with the demand from customers, but he expects the shuttle will complete three round-trips per hour.

He’s also planning a special menu for the July 4 First Wednesday Art Walk and the City’s annual Independence Day fireworks show in Downtown above the St. Johns River.

DeSanto said he’ll serve an all-American menu of smoked ribs, coleslaw and jalapeno-cheddar cornbread with deep dish apple or Boston cream pie for dessert.

“Come by after Art Walk and before the fireworks. We’re just a block from the Riverwalk,” he said.

For more details about the restaurant’s menu or the shuttle service, visit oliomarket.com.

[fsujax]

I went there for lunch today. It was packed as if the courthouse never moved.

[ben says]

I went there for lunch today. It was packed as if the courthouse never moved.

Good to hear! I've had the opposite experience. That being said, I eat lunch awkwardly early, which may explain the lack of people at Olio. I'd love if they continued on as they've been. They make a mean lunch and put a lot of effort into making that space nice.

[RockStar]

Olio rocks. End of story.

[MissMinda]

I ate at Olio for the first time today. Of course, I was there before they officially opened...around 10:40 or so. They happily served us, though. We were the first ones in. I love the decor as well as the food. The famous duck comfit grilled cheese and broccoli with Parmesan cheese were delicious!

The shuttle is a great idea for the courthouse. I only wish they also delivered to the San Marco area so I could order some mouth-watering food on my 30 min lunch days.