Co-op Frose & Eatery (Baptist Convention Building)

[blueyaj22]

Does anyone know the status of this restaurant opening in the Florida Baptist Convention Building? The Biz Journal had an article last August about an opening that was slated for late September 2024. Haven't heard much since. Would love to make a Sweet Pete's trip and check it out once open.

[Ken_FSU]

This is an odd one. Was announced well over a year ago. Last I heard, it was supposed to open in Summer 2024. I've heard nothing since then, and I just kind of assumed that the project was either dead or in the same death delay as a lot of other downtown projects.

Decided to walk by on my way into the office after seeing your post to see if any work had began.

Strangest thing - signage is all up, interior build-out is complete, drink machines are set up, and it even looks like the POS system is in place. But the patio, which compromise the brunt of the seating, isn't built out. Not sure how long it's sat in this near-finished state unopened.

It's a nice looking spot, and I hope it opens soon and helps give Sweet Pete's a little shot in the arm. Wouldn't say I'm worried about Sweet Pete's, but it definitely feels like they've cut budget. Emptier shelves. Less inventory. Could use some TLC on the inside.

[heights unknown]

In yall's opinion, could that, or is that a good location? I like the Patio. Is, or would there be good "foot traffic" in that area (outside of good advertisement or "word of mouth"). Just wondering. 

[fieldafm]

Believe there has been an ownership change for that franchise location. They are still planning on opening. Given the June Club construction, I wouldn't be surprised if the new owner won't open until the adjacent project is complete.

[Ken_FSU]

Believe there has been an ownership change for that franchise location. They are still planning on opening. Given the June Club construction, I wouldn't be surprised if the new owner won't open until the adjacent project is complete.

Good intel, thanks Mike!

In yall's opinion, could that, or is that a good location? I like the Patio. Is, or would there be good "foot traffic" in that area (outside of good advertisement or "word of mouth"). Just wondering. 

Gateway is doing some great stuff a few blocks out, but the area around Sweet Pete's is always going to strive or barely survive based on the health of James Weldon Johnson Park. Invest in the park, make it a programmed, active, 365 a day destination, and there will be a line out of the door at Co-op.

[Ken_FSU]

P.S. Re: JWJ Park.

One of the most short-sighted things we've done as a city over the last few decades when it comes to the CBD was cutting the legs out from under the original Friends of Hemming Park group, right as they were building momentum in 2014. That short run was probably a 50-year peak for Hemming Park/Plaza. It was crowded every day with office workers and pedestrians. Vince Cavin and the team had an awesome long-term partnership lined up with Community First for a sponsored stage. A fixed Black Sheep outpost was being planned. Awesome events like Symphony in the Park and the Night Market were drawing crowds after hours. Security was tight. Career vagrants were nowhere to be found. Sweet Pete's moved to the adjacent Seminole Club. That was such an optimistic time coming off of One Spark. And the whole thing was stripped down from growth mode to low-cost maintenance mode because people someone took issue with their lunch receipts and with the fact that they were operating like a start-up. Could have really been something special. That group had a great long-term version for the park.

[JaxGator22]

Working on getting this place opened.  Some personal issues halted the Co-Op owner's abilities to open on Dec 2024 as planned.  We are working through it and will get it figured out soon.  It will happen. 

[soepic]

Noticed that the outside courtyard is now closed off and looks like construction is going on. Might be a outdoor bar and seating being added. So things look to be finally moving forward.

[thelakelander]

That's The June next door. I ran into the owner earlier this week. She said her project will be completed by September.

[RatTownRyan]

Any idea of the cost for membership at The June? Wonder if it will be similar to the cost of the River Club. Glad to hear a possible September opening.

[JaxGator22]

I walked The June yesterday and the final finishes are spectacular.  They are stripping the paint around the windows currently exposing stunning brass windows.  The lighting package, wall paper, tile package, etc doesn't exist anywhere in Jax right now.  Really impressed with their vision.