As Roost Restaurants LLC continues working through zoning challenges for its proposed Riverside location, it is moving ahead with plans for a restaurant near San Marco.
The Local is expected to open June 1, said partner Ted Stein.
“We wanted to be as close to the neighborhood as possible. Being a part of the communities we serve is a core belief of ours,” he said.
Roost Restaurants applied for permits to renovate space in Shops of Granada at 4578 San Jose Blvd., just off Hendricks Avenue. It is in the Miramar and Granada area.
A state Division of Hotels and Restaurants application said The Local is a 65-seat eatery.
Toney Construction Co. Inc. would build-out 2,656 square feet at a cost of $348,500. The space includes a walk-in cooler.
The city also is reviewing a permit for interior demolition of the space in preparation for build-out.
Stein said The Local will resemble The Roost with “the same great food in a smaller footprint.”
He said The Local will be a counter-service concept focusing on breakfast, lunch and tapas.
“We will also have great wine, local beer and some of the best coffee in town,” Stein said.
Roost Restaurants is a local venture led by well-known names. Stein is its president and CEO and its chairman is Jack Charles “JC” Demetree III.
Shops of Granada is owned by a Demetree family entity. Use of the site, built in 1957, has included a convenience store, hair salon, pet grooming and karate studio. It has been vacant for more than a year.
About 2,000 square feet of space remains for lease.
The site is between San Marco and Lakewood, near the Miramar Center.
As for Riverside, The Roost reported Friday on its Facebook page that “The Stove is warming up …. Who’s hungry?!”
It describes itself as an up-and-coming restaurant/coffee shop.
The Roost wants to open at 2219 Oak St. in the former Deluxe Laundry and Dry Cleaners space.
The proposal for the 150-seat restaurant generated neighborhood opposition. City Council approved a zoning exception for the project, with conditions.
On Aug. 3, The Roost’s Facebook page said a small group of neighbors had appealed the city’s decision. Believing it would be resolved in its favor, The Roost said construction wouldn’t start for two to eight months.
“We will be serving the neighborhood fresh food in a funky atmosphere soon,” said the Facebook page in August.
In the summer, four neighboring residents challenged the legislation. Circuit Court dismissed the challenge in December. A motion for rehearing is pending.
The Roost says its concept is to blend a full-service café alongside a functioning coffee shop. That gives customers options for a sit-down and to-go experience.
The café side will offer a full menu consisting of diner fare to food crafted for The Roost.
The coffee shop will offer custom espresso-based drinks and freshly squeezed juices. It also will offer grab-and-go items, pastries and a lighter-fare menu.
Among the conditions in the rezoning, the hours will start at 6:30 a.m. daily but close at 11 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Sunday and at midnight Friday-Saturday; there can be no outside sales or service of food or alcohol after 5 p.m.; live entertainment will stop at 10 p.m.; and there will be no televisions.
Buffalo Wild Wings to join Promenade
Buffalo Wild Wings intends to join Town Center Promenade.
The city and St. Johns River Water Management District are reviewing plans for the 5,456-square-foot restaurant on 1.89 acres at 4594 Tropea Way, near the St. Johns Town Center.
Plans show it will be on the lakefront Lot 10.
Buffalo Wild Wings will join several restaurants at the site.
Three new restaurants are planning locations at Promenade –– Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews, Texas de Brazil Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse and Piada Italian Street Food.
In addition, Texas Roadhouse, Newk’s Eatery, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Taco Bell and Starbucks will expand their market presence there.
Buffalo Wild Wings operates several other area locations.
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