Perla's Pizza, Pizzaven, Robeks Juice and More New Business (6/18)
Another round up of new businesses!
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DUVAL COUNTY
Arby's Seafood and Chicken
A new restaurant called Arby's Seafood and Chicken is set to open at 2009 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211 in the next 20-40 days, owner Mauricio Chahine told FFBW.
The eatery will have a small dine-in area with 5-6 tables, providing seating for approximately 20 customers. Chahine is aiming to open Arby's Seafood and Chicken within the next month to month and a half.
ST. JOHNS COUNTY
Boat Drinks
Downtown St. Augustine's Boat Drinks bar is moving from its current location at 56 St. George St to a new space at 123 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084 this fall, owner Rob Crabtree told FFBW.
The new address will provide double the square footage, allowing for a seating capacity of 150 guests. Crabtree cited outgrowing their original space, which opened in 2019, as the reason for relocating just a few blocks away on San Marco Ave later this year.
In addition to more interior space, the new Boat Drinks location will have a stage for live performances as well as an outdoor seating area. However, the bar's hours and overall concept will remain the same, staying closed on Tuesdays and Mondays.
An exact moving date is still to be determined, but Crabtree and his team are aiming to make the transition to 123 San Marco Ave in the fall.
Cidersmith
Cidersmith is opening at 18 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, according to owner William Smith. The craft cider hall will serve house-made ciders and local Florida beers, along with the usual domestic beers.
As for the menu, Smith shared that they aim to keep it light and satisfying, much like the ciders themselves. Expect flatbreads, wings, salads, mac and cheese and lobster mac and cheese. Ciders will be available for takeout in growlers.
Cidersmith will have around 100 seats between indoor and outdoor spaces. About 80% will be indoors and the rest will be outside. They will maintain hours of 11 am - 12 am on the weekends and 11 am - 10 pm during the week.
Cidersmith has hired a cider master to craft their beverages. Expect to enjoy 8 different types: 6 of which will be staples and 2 will be rotating and seasonal ciders.
Smith said that they will express themes blending steampunk, industrial, and farmhouse chic in their space on St. George Street. Cidersmith is planning to open in August or September.
Smith's wife, Kim, also owns Rendezvous and Barefoot Bill's in downtown St. Augustine. For more information and updates, visit Cidersmith online.
See the article online (with photos).
FLAGLER COUNTY
Mama Kim's Ice Cream Parlor
James and Kimberly Margerelli are set to open Mama Kim's Ice Cream Parlor at 2245 S Old Dixie Hwy, Bunnell, FL 32110, transitioning from James' career as Elvis Tree Climber Extraordinaire in the tree service industry.
Mama Kim's will serve cones, milkshakes, floats and smoothies made with all-natural, high-quality ingredients.
The parlor will feature Chocolate Shoppe ice cream from Madison, Wisconsin, known for its kosher, lactose-free, sugar-free, and peanut-free options to accommodate various dietary needs.
Other treats will include warm apple pie a la mode and a wide array of toppings like chocolate, banana, strawberries, pineapple, nuts and more.
In addition to the sweet treats, Mama Kim's will offer a nostalgic experience with vintage video games like PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS consoles for customers to enjoy.
Expect Mama Kim's Ice Cream Parlor in early July. Margerelli told FFBW that they plan to commission local muralist Steve Belisle to do a mural within the building.
ORANGE COUNTY
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is set to open 10 new locations in the Orlando area over the next few years, franchisee Ed Zausch told FFBW.
Zausch, who also operates the Daddy's Chicken Shack in Lake Mary, plans to open three Jack in the Box stores per year starting in 2025 until all 10 locations are up and running.
The new restaurants will feature Jack in the Box's latest design and will operate 24 hours a day, serving their menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and more.
While exact addresses for the upcoming locations are not yet available, Zausch said they are scouting potential sites in the greater Orlando area.
Jack in the Box's expansion into Orlando marks a significant push for the brand in the Central Florida area, with Zausch leading the charge around Orlando. The brand also announced in a release that they will be opening in Tallahassee as well.
Perla's Pizza
A new concept called Perla's Pizza is set to open at 959 W Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789 by the end of the year. This is the latest venture from restaurateur Michael Collantes.
Collantes, who recently opened Bar Kada with Michelin-starred sommelier Benjamin Coutts, plans to serve pizzas topped with unusual ingredients at Perla's. However, a primary focus will be on serving craft cocktails that push current mixology standards forward, Collantes said.
Sparrow
Good Salt Group, led by founders Jason and Sue Chin, is set to open a new restaurant called Sparrow in November at 807 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, Jason Chin told FFBW. The concept will showcase a menu drawing on chef Wendy Lopez's Spanish heritage, offering small plates fused with techniques and flavors from Southern Europe.
Sparrow aims to be a casual hangout spot with a full bar, extensive wine selection, and both indoor and outdoor seating. "It's a place to dine at your own pace," Chin told FFBW. Expect a welcoming atmosphere for dining out with friends or stopping by for a glass of wine after work.
The restaurant will feature around 70 indoor seats and 12 outdoor café-style seats. The intimate 2,000 square foot space is being designed by co-founder Sue Chin.
Construction on Sparrow is set to begin in the coming weeks, with a targeted November opening. For updates, follow the restaurant on Instagram.
Go to Good Salt Group's website to learn about their other concepts.
OSCEOLA COUNTY
Pizzaven
A new restaurant called Pizzaven is set to open in St. Cloud in about 3 weeks, according to restaurant administrator Nicole Rivero.
Find the new Pizzeria at: 2175 Nolte Rd, St Cloud, FL 34772.
Pizzaven's morning breakfast service will spotlight traditional Venezuelan breakfast dishes. The lunch and dinner menu will then transition to sandwiches, pasta, calzones, pizzas and more.
The Construction Zone Restaurant
A new family-friendly restaurant called The Construction Zone is set to open at 3236 Rolling Oaks Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747 in late July, co-owner Middleton Dand told FFBW.
Owned by Middleton Dand and Tracy Miller-Sudborough, the 162-seat eatery will simulate that diners are on the 86th floor of a skyscraper that is under construction. The immersive theme will be carried throughout the restaurant's decor, menu, and activities.
According to The Construction Zone website, guests can expect an "exciting job-site inspired menu, hand-crafted cocktails, interactive touches, and fun-filled activities for all ages."
Specific menu items will include: Pepperoni, Margherita and Southwestern Flatbreads, the Cat D-12 Burger, Creamy Parmesean Risotto, Filet Mignon, Poke Bowls, Salads, Crispy Wings, numerous cocktails and much, much more.
The Construction Zone aims to provide a memorable dining experience for families and guests of all ages with its creative theme and engaging elements. With a full bar and a menu that incorporates construction motifs, the restaurant will provide a novel dining experience.
PASCO COUNTY
Jimmy John's
Franchisee Eric Edmonds is expanding Jimmy John's presence in the greater Pasco County area with five new locations in the pipeline, he told FFBW.
The first is slated to open in September at 5478 Post Oak Blvd, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. Another new Jimmy John's will follow in a development at 10299 US-41, Spring Hill, FL 34610, though an opening date is not available yet.
Edmonds also plans to open a new location on the west side of the intersection of Highway 52 and Interstate 75 in Pasco County.
Two more Jimmy John's locations are being scouted, but addresses are not yet confirmed at this time. Prior to franchising with Jimmy John's, Edmonds was a franchisee for Beef O'Brady's restaurants.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Green Table on Tour Food Truck
A new plant-based food truck called Green Table on Tour is set to launch soon in Brandon, franchisees Jenna Bard and David Tipton told FFBW. The truck is a franchised mobile extension of the Green Table Restaurant in Palm Harbor and Dunedin.
Green Table on Tour will serve a fully vegan menu featuring dishes like burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, empanadas and more. The food truck aims to bring these plant-based options to various events and locations around Florida.
Bard and Tipton plan to station the truck at The Brandon Food Truck Park at 1111 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon, FL 33511 during weekdays. On weekends, they'll attend events, including the Orlando Block Party in September and the Fort Lauderdale Block Party in October.
As a franchised operation of the established Green Table Restaurant, the food truck will offer the brand's signature vegan fare in a mobile format.
Homestyle Scratch Kitchen
A new restaurant called Homestyle Scratch Kitchen is opening at 1215 Kingsway Rd, Brandon, FL 33510 in mid-July, co-owner Donna Augustine-Berry told FFBW.
Augustine-Berry and her husband Kenneth, who have over 40 years of restaurant experience, are originally from New Jersey. They aim to bring an authentic New Jersey Italian cafe and dining experience to the Brandon area.
The small 8-seat eatery will serve lunch and dinner every day except Mondays. The menu will feature hot pressed sandwiches, homemade meatballs, traditional Italian desserts and more scratch-made fare. They will also offer takeout and delivery.
The couple plans a mid-July launch for the cafe, giving locals a taste of East Coast-style Italian American comfort foods.
Triple Threat Food Truck
Formerly based in Los Angeles, Triple Threat Food Truck has reopened in Tampa. Owner Omayra Lopez told FFBW that her truck and brick and mortar in California were shut down during the pandemic, and now she's bringing the concept to Florida.
Triple Threat created a loyal audience with their Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo, the Toston Burger and much more. You can view their menu online. They were also featuring on the Food Network's Food Truck Nation. The brand is also known on Goldbelly, and they will begin offering food there soon.
The truck had a soft opening on Friday, May 31st at Pinellas Ale Works at: 1962 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712, Lopez said. Follow Triple Threat online.
Find Triple Threat at the Food Truck Culture Park at: 4914 E Broadway Ave, Tampa, FL 33605.
Read the article online (photos included).
ST. LUCIE COUNTY
Robeks Juice
A new Robeks Juice franchise is set to open at 10124 SW Discovery Wy, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987 in November, franchisee Patrick Watson told FFBW.
The developer is currently finishing the building, with plans to turn it over in August. After that, Watson will begin his own build-out of the Robeks space.
Robeks is known for serving juices, smoothies, gourmet toasts and other health-focused products. This Port St. Lucie location will offer the brand's menu of nutritious options.
This is Watson's first Robeks franchise, though he's open to further expansion in the future if all goes well.
LEE COUNTY
Swamp Cat Brewing at the Refuge
Swamp Cat Brewing at the Refuge is opening at 1943 Fowler St, Fort Myers, FL 33901, according to co-owner Matt Leger. The brewery is also owned by brewer and veteran Chris Gutierrez, according to Gulfshore Business.
The business has taken over a former church, converting it into a food hall, brewery, and meeting and events space. The food hall will feature three distinct kitchens: a pizza concept, a Latin fusion concept, and a sliders concept. Names of vendors leasing the spaces are not yet available. Leases for the vendors are 2 years long.
Diners can enjoy their food anywhere in the brewery, from indoor seating to the outdoor beer garden. The venue will have a total of around 250 seats.
Planned offerings include happy hours, cornhole and trivia nights. Swamp Cat Brewing at the Refuge is planning to open in a couple of months.
For more information and updates, visit Swamp Cat Brewing online.
DADE, BROWARD AND PALM BEACH COUNTIES
Qdoba Mexican Eats
Local franchisee Michael Guiffre is opening 5 additional Qdoba Mexican Eats locations across South Florida, he told FFBW.
The first new Qdoba will open at 4767 S University Dr, Davie, FL 33328 during the first week of July.
The next is slated for 7655 W Atlantic Ave #102, Delray Beach, FL 33446 in West Delray in December 2024.
Guiffre plans for the next to open at 1911 S Federal Hwy #204, Delray Beach, FL 33483 in January 2025.
Following that, Qdoba will open at 14585 Biscayne Blvd #101, North Miami, FL 33181 in January 2025.
The final unit in this developmental push will open in February 2025 at 5030 Champions Blvd Unit G14, Boca Raton, Fl 33496.
Go to Qdoba's website for information regarding their menu.
DADE COUNTY
Charley's Cheesesteaks
Charley's Cheesesteaks is set to open three new locations in South Florida over the next seven months, co-franchisee Julie Vulcain told FFBW.
The first new Charley's will open at 1425 NE 163rd St, North Miami Beach, FL 33162 within the next 90 days, according to Vulcain.
The second location will be inside the Walmart Supercenter at 9300 NW 77th Ave, Hialeah Gardens, FL 33016, slated to open in December 2024.
The third location will open at 17650 NW 2nd Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169, also in December 2024.
Miss Saigon
Miss Saigon, a popular Vietnamese restaurant, is making a comeback in Miami according to owner David Nyugen. Nyugen previously owned the Coral Gables location before selling the business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new Miss Saigon is set to open towards the end of summer at 9539 SW 160th St, Miami, FL 33157. The restaurant will prioritize takeout and delivery services, with a smaller dining area of 30-40 seats.
Miss Saigon was a family business shared between Nguyen, his parents and siblings for 28 years.
The menu will feature traditional Vietnamese offerings such as boba tea, pho noodle soup, sandwiches, rice plates and bowls. Nyugen aims to continue serving the authentic flavors that made Miss Saigon a staple previously.
Tacotomia
Tacotomia, a concept showcasing the authentic flavors of southern Mexico, is set to open in the Doral Yard Food Hall at 8455 NW 53rd St Suite 106, Doral, FL 33166 in a couple of weeks, owner Karla Hoyos Hernandez told FFBW.
This marks the second location for Tacotomia, which already operates in the Julia & Henry's food court at 200 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131.
"I wanted to share a piece of my Mexico," Hoyos Hernandez said. Her concept is inspired by her grandmother's cooking in Vera Cruz, Mexico. Tacotomia focuses on southern Mexican cuisine, which is less accessible and steeped in traditions not as frequently represented in northern Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine, Hoyos Hernandez said.
At the upcoming Doral location, diners can expect authentic Mexican dishes, rotating specials and non-alcoholic Mexican beverages.
The Doral Yard is part of a larger development from Codina Partners. Their Downtown Doral project features mixed-use properties for dining, entertainment, residing and more.
The new Doral Yard Food Hall location is slated to open within the next couple of weeks, bringing these family recipes and regional specialties to even more local diners.
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