From labor and supply shortages to inflation, Northeast Florida restaurant owners are confronting issues, but despite this environment, some are rapidly expanding and thriving.
Here are five stories about the restaurant business:
Working in restaurants was not just “something to do” until Chad Munsey landed a “real job.” Story here
Mambos Cuban Cafe owner Raul Arias Jr. is expanding the restaurant into the former Denny’s he bought nearby, renaming it and then launching a new Italian concept at the existing location. Story here
Rebecca Gonzalez has a challenge of having too much work. It is a challenge of her own making. Story here
Chef Tom Gray doesn’t like raising menu prices. He says don’t blame restaurant owners. Look to voters as a primary reason for escalating costs. Story here
Earlier this year, Richard Robinson planned to close his Pink Salt & Wine Bar restaurant at 1430 San Marco Blvd. and move the business to 1571 University Blvd. W. in Lakewood. Story here
Ben Groshell thanks the 2008 recession for that career turn from owning one restaurant to several. Story here
Johnny Nettles discovered Dreamette in Jacksonville’s Murray Hill area in his youth when his family moved to nearby Avondale.
That was in 1971.
In 2008, 37 years later and four years after he retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, he bought the ice cream shop. Story here