Florida Round Up! (5/6)
New restaurants are on the way, from Jacksonville to Fort Lauderdale.
Thank you for tuning into this week's roundup of upcoming businesses in Florida. Counties are listed alphabetically.
ALACHUA COUNTY
Jalisco Town Modern Mexican Grill
Jalisco Town Modern Mexican Grill is already the thriving restaurant in Lake Mary. The business has been open there since 2021, serving both authentic Mexican dishes—with an emphasis on cuisine central to the state of Jalisco—and some of the most beloved Tex-Mex dishes, including fajitas, enchiladas, burritos and more.
Now, the same team is bringing their full-service, full-bar restaurant to Gainesville, partner in the business Jason Mendoza shared with Business Debut.
Along with his partners Luis Campos, who will manage the Gainesville location, and Edgar Jimenez, Mendoza is hoping to debut the Gainesville location in mid-May. However, the date is still subject to change, as they are still finalizing permits and making final preparations on their space at 4401 NW 25th Pl., Gainesville, FL 32606.
Expect 165 seats inside and a menu highlighting modern Mexican dishes alongside classic, well-known menu items. Mendoza shared that they aim to have something for those wanting a more authentic and up-to-date Mexican dining experience, and for those wanting the Tex-Mex dishes popular across the United States.
In addition to the food menu, cocktails will feature staples like margaritas, but will also highlight other Mexican cocktails such as palomas, a Mexican old fashioned, and many more.
When selecting a space for the second location, Mendoza shared that he and his partners enjoyed the slower pace of Gainesville, contrasted with Lake Mary’s busyness.
The three partners in the group all hail from the Mexican state of Jalisco, and their desire, Mendoza shared, is to exceed the expectations of the Gainesville community with their concept of modern Mexican fusion paired with excellent service.
Hours will be:
- Monday–Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm
- Friday: 11 am – 11 pm
- Saturday: 11:30 am – 10 pm
- Sunday: 11:30 am – 9 pm
Follow the brand online:
https://jaliscotownmex.com/
Instagram
Read the article here with photos.
BROWARD COUNTY
Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille
Black Jack’s Rum Bar & Grille is planning to open its second location in Broward County, restaurateur Ted Sabarese told Business Debut. The new Fort Lauderdale spot will follow the success of the original location, which opened in Davie roughly three months ago.
The pirate-themed restaurant boasts what it calls South Florida’s largest and most unique rum collection. Guests can expect a hearty menu featuring steaks, burgers, paella, and more.
The upcoming location is currently under construction at 505 NE 3rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, with an anticipated opening in about three months. Once open, the space will seat around 200 guests and operate for lunch, dinner, and late-night service—365 days a year.
Sabarese, a career restaurateur, also owns Drunken Taco on Fort Lauderdale Beach. He shared with Business Debut that he has been operating restaurants since 1990.
For more updates, follow the brand online at blackjacksrumbar.com and on Instagram.
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DUVAL COUNTY
Pepe's Hacienda & Restaurant
Pepe’s Hacienda and Restaurant is planning a new location roughly 10 miles north of its original restaurant, which has been open since 2007, ownership shared with Business Debut. The new location will open in a newer development at 9239 Merrill Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225.
Ownership shared that they are nearly finished preparing to open, though they have not yet finalized an opening date. The new space will include approximately 145 seats inside and a full bar. Authentic Mexican fare will be featured on the menu.
This new location will introduce a vibrant atmosphere with lots of color and a thoughtful aesthetic, ownership said.
The original location, at 3615 Dupont Ave Suite 900, Jacksonville, FL 32217, is also undergoing a facelift. Renovations are in progress but have not interrupted day-to-day operations.
Keep an eye out along Merrill Road to enjoy the upcoming second location of Pepe’s Hacienda and Restaurant.
Follow them online and on Facebook.
Click here to see the article with photos.
MANATEE COUNTY
Milkshake Factory
Milkshake Factory, a brand forged by generations of chocolatiers before branching into milkshakes, sundaes, and other desserts at the hands of founder Dana Edwards Manatos, is preparing to open in Bradenton.
Franchisee Renee Schadenberg shared with Business Debut that she and her husband, Brent Schadenberg, are currently reviewing contractor bids for the build-out of their space at 7230 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209.
Since construction has not yet begun, no opening date has been set. The planned space will span just under 1,500 square feet. Upon entering, guests will find a gourmet chocolate bar on the left and the counter with spinning stations on the right. Some indoor seating will also be available.
Though this will be the couple’s first Milkshake Factory location, they have signed on to open more than one. Their current territory stretches from Bradenton to Fort Myers, with potential for further expansion beyond that area.
The Schadenbergs bring prior experience in food and beverage franchising, having previously owned several locations of a pizza franchise. Renee noted that the family-oriented nature of Milkshake Factory—and the absence of complex kitchen equipment like pizza ovens and fryers—were motivating factors in their decision to join the brand.
Keep an eye out for this dessert shop opening soon on Manatee Avenue West. Follow the brand online.
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The Village Patio
Patrick and Shelley Zvonik, a husband-and-wife team, have taken over a 120-year-old house in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts neighborhood at 1213 13th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205 and are planning to open The Village Patio in mid-May, should final preparations continue smoothly.
Patrick Zvonik shared that the concept will be a cozy restaurant featuring an outdoor seating deck, an indoor dining room, and plans for an eventual beer garden.
While The Village Patio's exact menu has not yet been released, guests can expect classic comfort food served in a welcoming, come-as-you-are environment. The Zvoniks are replacing Bird Rock Tacos, the previous tenant in the space before it fell into disrepair, Patrick said.
They’re aiming for a mid-May opening, though the timeline is currently in the hands of the City of Bradenton. Zvonik, who has ownership roots in Sarasota, noted that this is his first venture in Bradenton and he’s unsure what to expect from the city’s final licensing and approval process.
Phase one will include the indoor dining room and outdoor porch. Phase two will involve revitalizing the large backyard behind the house to create a beer garden that will host live music, movie nights, and similar community events.
The Village Patio carries the tagline: Food, Beer, Wine, and a Cozy Atmosphere. Cleanliness throughout the property will also be a major point of emphasis, Zvonik said.
Zvonik comes from a family deeply rooted in the restaurant business—his parents and grandparents have operated bars and restaurants in Sarasota. He previously co-owned The Whiskey Barrel in Gulf Gate and got his start in the industry at age 14 working at Captain Curt’s on Siesta Key.
Once open, The Village Patio will operate Monday through Thursday from 11 am – 8 or 9 pm, and Friday from 11 am – 10 pm.
Follow The Village Patio on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
ORANGE COUNTY
Habibi Lebanese Grill
A new location for Habibi Lebanese Grill is on the horizon in Winter Garden, owner Wissam Abdallah told Business Debut. After successfully revitalizing a struggling Lebanese restaurant over a decade ago, its location is set to open at 13770 W Colonial Dr Unit 130, Winter Garden, FL 34787.
The new restaurant aims to offer a fast-casual dining experience with seating for around 45 guests and an anticipated opening in mid-to-late May. They will serve the same menu as their original South Hiawassee Road location.
Abdallah’s restaurant ownership started in Michigan, where he owned a chain of five restaurants called Kabob Grill. In Orlando, he purchased a closing Lebanese spot on South Hiawassee Road, citing that he knew he could turn it around with enough time.
Though he does not recall the restaurant’s original name, Abdallah remembered it included “Habibi,” which he decided to keep. He changed the logo, rebranded the concept to Habibi Lebanese Grill, and committed to turning things around—focusing on high-quality, traditional fare and a clean environment.
Over the past 10 years, the business has flourished.
With the Winter Garden unit near completion, Abdallah looks forward to growing Habibi Lebanese Grill further with his family's support. When queried about future franchising, Abdallah said, “Why not?”
For more information and updates, visit their website or follow them on social media.
Read the article here with photos.
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Picanha’s Restaurante Brasileiro
Picanha’s Restaurante Brasileiro is bringing a casual Brazilian buffet to Orlando, owner Marcelo Gerhardt shared with Business Debut. The new restaurant will be modeled after the establishments Gerhardt has previously owned in Brazil.
The food, Gerhardt described, will center on Brazilian barbecue along with a range of casual Brazilian lunch and dinner options.
Picanha’s is planning to open this month at 1700 W Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32809. The restaurant will offer 120 seats indoors and will serve beer and wine.
The format will be buffet-style, with scales at the end of the buffet line. Guests will be charged based on the weight of their food.
Picanha’s Restaurante Brasileiro is expected to be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
Linda Lee's Ice Cream
Linda Lee’s Ice Cream is aiming to debut in St. Johns by mid to late May, ownership shared with Business Debut. The new dessert shop will open at 9900 Shands Pier Rd, St. Johns, FL 32259, bringing a selection of homemade craft ice creams and featured flavors from other craft ice cream makers.
In addition to its ice cream offerings, Linda Lee’s will serve brownies, cookies, and a variety of desserts, with plans to expand the menu as they perfect their core offerings.
Exact opening hours have not been finalized yet. To stay updated on their grand opening and menu announcements, visit lindaleesicecream.com.
Click here to see the article with photos.
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii is coming to New Smyrna Beach. Co-franchisees Jessie Ponder and Terri Slager are spearheading this venture, which will transform a former comedy club into a coffee haven at 109 Causeway N, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169. The extensive remodeling project, set to begin imminently, aims to be completed by August.
The venue will undergo a complete overhaul, both inside and out, with renovations including a new parking area and updated interiors and exteriors. Spanning close to 1,800 square feet, the café will include about 30 indoor seats and additional seating on the patio, and a small dog-friendly area. A drive-through will add to the convenience, making it easy for coffee lovers on-the-go. The design features a large table for group gatherings.
The café aspires to be a community hub, a place to spark creativity and connection. Keep an eye out for Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
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