Black Sheep Restaurant Group, operator of Black Sheep Restaurant near Five Points and Orsay in Avondale, is considering opening a takeout kiosk in Hemming Park.
The plan is to use two shipping containers, donated by CSX Corp. and Crowley Maritime, to create an L-shaped bar and restaurant in the southeast corner of the park near Laura and Monroe streets.
Vince Cavin, CEO of Friends of Hemming Park, said the nonprofit plans to use $85,000 of a $100,000 grant from Southwest Airlines to fund half of the project. Black Sheep will cover the rest.
“They were our top choice. It’s pretty sweet,” Cavin said.
He plans to meet with JEA officials next week to discuss installation of electric and water service to site.
Another requirement is connecting the restaurant to a sewer line, which will involve excavating part of Monroe Street, he said.
The design for the proposed fast-casual takeout eatery could be presented to the Downtown Development Review Board as soon as next month.
After the permits are issued and the utilities are in place, the new operation could be ready to serve food in about two months, said Allan DeVault, managing partner of Black Sheep.
“It will be bigger than a food truck, but smaller than a restaurant,” he said.
The menu will feature some of the most popular items on the Black Sheep bill of fare but with smaller portions and lower prices intended to appeal to Downtown office workers.
DeVault said sandwiches and entrees will be priced from $6-$10 and designed to be eaten on the go.
“The idea is not to need a fork and a knife,” he said.
DeVault said the Black Sheep kiosk will bring at least six new jobs Downtown. It will be open for lunch Monday-Friday and during events in the park.
The Friends also announced sponsorship discussions have begun with Community First Credit Union concerning construction of a permanent stage in the park near the Skyway platform along Hogan Street.
“While this is in the very early stages of due diligence and planning, we look forward to unveiling more details as we work with all of the stakeholders toward a solid, workable plan,” said Community First CEO and President John Hirabayashi in a news release.
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