Jacksonville-based Southern Grounds coffee cafe held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 16 for its pre-security cafe and bar at Jacksonville International Airport.
The location, which opened July 24, serves an expanded menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner, has a full bar featuring craft cocktails, and sells pastries from Jacksonville-based Blueberry Artisan Bakery, affiliated with Southern Grounds.
“Airports have an opportunity to highlight the local food and beverage experiences that best represent their communities,” Jacksonville Aviation Authority CEO Mark VanLoh said in a news release.
Southern Grounds opened post-security in February 2022.
The pre-security Southern Grounds is open 5 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
The release said the expanded all-day menu includes eggs Benedicts, burgers, salads, sandwiches, pitas and tacos.
HMSHost, which operates restaurants in travel venues, said it developed the bar program to include spirits, along with beer and wine.
Mark Janasik is owner of Southern Grounds and Blueberry Artisan Bakery. He partnered with HMSHost, Lee Wesley Group and the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to open the two Southern Grounds restaurants at the airport.
Florida-based Lee Wesley is an Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.
The first Southern Grounds opened in February 2022 on Concourse A as part of a 10-year contract valued at $60 million that JAA awarded to HMSHost and Lee Wesley for an overall concessions program.
“Since the first Southern Grounds opened in early 2022, it has proven to be an incredibly popular, sought-after dining destination at Jacksonville International Airport for its great coffee and food,” said HMSHost Vice President of Business Development Stephen Douglas.