Bennigan's returning to Jacksonville 'down the road'
Remember the Bennigan's restaurant chain? It had at least three stores in Jacksonville, along Beach Boulevard, Blanding Boulevard and Baymeadows Road.
It might be back.
With about 100 restaurants under contract for development worldwide over the next several years, Bennigan's Franchising Co. also has Jacksonville in mind, although not in "site."
"Jacksonville is a definite possibility down the road, but there's nothing concrete there yet," said Bennigan's representative Ladd Biro of Champion Management, adding "I'll be sure to let you know the minute that changes."
The 100 new restaurants would double the company's size.
Since the end of 2012, the Dallas-based brand has opened new franchise locations in Panama City as well as in Maryland, Arkansas, Texas, New Jersey, Virginia and in Mexico, Cypress and Dubai.
"It's a great comeback story, and the best part is, all those people who loved Bennigan's years ago are getting a chance to revisit us and experience our great food and friendly Irish hospitality again," said Paul Mangiamele, Bennigan's president and CEO, in a news release.
Mangiamele said his group also was preparing "for our second major comeback initiative: the beloved Steak and Ale brand."
The Steak and Ale's Comeback page on Facebook offers more information.
David Hollinger, franchise owner of the new Bennigan's in Panama City, plans to open the first new Steak and Ale restaurant "on the planet" next year in Florida, according to the release.
At least three Steak & Ale restaurants operated in Jacksonville, along Blanding Boulevard, the Arlington Expressway and Dix Ellis Trail.
Is there a chance Jacksonville will land a new Steak and Ale?
"Absolutely there's a chance," Biro said. "But it's too early to say when."
Food bites
Food-related businesses filed names recently with the state Division of Corporations under the Fictitious Name Law to operate:
• Gullah Bill's Smok'n Grill, by Edmond L. Thompson, 7604 Quitina Drive.
• The Dim Sum Room, by Pacific Rim LLC, 9041 Southside Blvd., Suite 138D.
• Sluggers Sports Saloon, by Andrew Laird, 7420 Volley Drive N.
• El Rinconcito de Lima Peruvian Cuisine, by Dlynne Nicole Gomez, 2777 Sunland Drive, Jacksonville Beach.
• Skippy's Shrimp Shack, by Robert BC Baldwin and Michelle Lee Baldwin, 1440 Broad St., Mayport.
• Wisco Seafood, by Eastern Seafood Distributors LLC, 224 Ponte Vedra Park Drive, Suite 100, Ponte Vedra Beach.
• Burger Bukkets, by Fudge Bukkets LLC, 40 Charlotte St., St. Augustine.
• Buddha Bowls Acai Café, to Sunny Shalee Welsch, 1365 Florida 206 E, Lot Z, St. Augustine.
• Amelia Island Coffee, to Salty Bagel LLC, 2738 Jean Lafitte Drive, Fernandina Beach.
• Fernandina Farmers Market, to Harrel Land LLC, 1875 S. 14th St., Unit A, Fernandina Beach.
Licensed to serve
Duval County Tax Collector Michael Corrigan issued a business license to:
• My Three Sons International Cuisine, to Tonisha Lindsey, 2980 Collins Ave., St. Augustine. (address of First Coast Technical College)
Dining signs
• Applebee's, which is renovating its stores, is putting up an awning and 14 signs at 6251 103rd St. restaurant.