The city issued a permit March 11 for Skyline Construction Inc. to remodel the former Ruby Tuesday Space at The Avenues mall for Cielo Azul Cocina Mexicana at a cost of $300,000.
The Mexican restaurant will take the 4,435-square-foot space that Ruby Tuesday left at the mall at 10300 Southside Blvd.
Sons of the owners of Salsas Mexican Restaurant intend to open the new concept this summer.
Jose and Victor Valencia, ages 23 and 17, sons of Jesus and Blanca Valencia, created Cielo Azul Cocina Mexicana for the space.
Jesus Valencia said in February his sons want to continue to grow the Mexican restaurant business.
“It will be a highly Mexican full-menu concept for The Avenues mall, where people will have the chance to sit down and enjoy the food,” Valencia said.
“Cielo Azul will be offering tacos, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, fajitas, house specialties and vegetarian,” he said.
Valencia said food will be made from scratch “with authentic and quality dishes.”
The drink menu includes varieties of margaritas, mojitos, beer and wine.
He said construction should take an estimated four to five months.
Skyline Construction is based in Lake City.
A Dec. 27, 2021, application to the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation shows Cielo Azul Cocina Mexicana plans 195 seats in the 3,900-square-foot area.
Jesus and Blanca Valencia have been in the restaurant business for about 16 years. Their concepts include Salsas Mexican Restaurant, Anejo Cocina Mexicana restaurants and 904 Street Tacos and Cantina.
