Established in Orlando in 1977, the fast-casual franchise has more than 75 locations from Florida to California. The EverBank Center unit is the company’s first between Atlanta and Daytona Beach.

“We’ve wanted to be in Jacksonville for as long as I can remember. We are very proud to be Downtown,” said Nature’s Table Inc. Senior Vice President Bryan Buffalo, who helped open the new breakfast and lunch destination.

“We think this will be our gateway to the Southeast,” he said.

The breakfast menu includes egg sandwiches, bagels, muffins, yogurt granola parfaits and fresh fruit.

Lunch features classic sandwiches, wraps, paninis, melts, soups, salads, rice bowls, fat- free yogurt and fruit smoothies and desserts.

Most of the items are low-fat and even vegetarian, but burgers and fries also are available.

“Nature’s Table is a healthy concept with a little bit of ‘cheat food.’ Variety in our menu is what keeps our customers coming back,” said Buffalo.

“We want Downtown to be a lively place to live and work. We need more restaurants like this,” said City Council member Don Redman, whose district includes Downtown.

The restaurant is the centerpiece of the building’s renovated second-floor dining room. There are more than 400 seats, including 80 seats in a mezzanine area.

Pam Smith, EverBank Center owner’s representative, said more than $1 million was invested to completely redecorate and furnish the space.

“It’s something really special for people who work in the building and for our neighbors,” said Smith.

Nature’s Table is open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

To view a sample menu, visit naturestable.com.

mmarbut@baileypub.com

@drmaxdowntown

356-2466