Fernandina Beach

Replacing A1A Cidery in Fernandina Beach: Philly Boyz

The food truck brand is going brick and mortar.

Image from the brand's Facebook

FERNANDINA BEACH, FL — Philly Boyz is preparing a new brick-and-mortar restaurant to the former A1A Cidery location at 230 South 8th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, owner Joseph Zimmerman told Business Debut in a phone interview.

The site will carry the Philly Boyz name on the door while continuing to produce A1A-branded cider on site.

“We will still sell A1A branded cider,” Zimmerman told Business Debut. “We currently pour in bars and restaurants across Northeast Florida and we will continue to produce and sell that product.”

What to Expect

Zimmerman said guests can expect a broader experience than the company’s three food trucks that serve Nassau County, Duval County and Camden County, Georgia.

“You can expect a more expansive and comprehensive menu covering things other than just cheese steaks,” Zimmerman told Business Debut. The Fernandina Beach restaurant will add roast pork sandwiches, soft pretzels and other items, along with new recipes the team has been developing. Zimmerman said the fleet of food trucks will continue to operate with the original menu across the region.

The space will feature a live music stage and is planned as a hangout spot with counter service for daily operations and table service for select special events.

Zimmerman said a local muralist, Lamar Miles, is painting a Philadelphia-themed mural on the front of the building.

“Our focus has always been on sourcing ingredients from the tri-state area and Northeast United States,” Zimmerman said.

Ownership Background

Zimmerman operates Philly Boyz with support from his wife, Jennifer Zimmerman. The couple previously ran a pizza food truck concept called On Square before consolidating their efforts around Philly Boyz.

“When we decided to do this project, we consolidated down to focus exclusively on the Philly Boyz brand,” Zimmerman told Business Debut.

Zimmerman said customer service and consistency guide his approach.

“The number one thing [restaurants] can do is provide good customer service,” Zimmerman shared with Business Debut. He said consistent quality and consistent service are central to the business.