City approves work toward opening Billy Jacks restaurant along Heckscher Drive

Restaurateur Ben Groshell expects to open the fast-casual Southern restaurant and bar in early 2024.


  • By Dan Macdonald
  • | 2:50 p.m. November 10, 2023
  • | 4 Free Articles Remaining!
Marker 32 owners Ben and Liza Groshell started with Marker 32 and have grown to include Dockside Seafood, Valley Smoke and four Fish Camp restaurants. Ben Groshell said in October he plans to open Billy Jacks, a fast-casual Southern restaurant, in early 2024.
Marker 32 owners Ben and Liza Groshell started with Marker 32 and have grown to include Dockside Seafood, Valley Smoke and four Fish Camp restaurants. Ben Groshell said in October he plans to open Billy Jacks, a fast-casual Southern restaurant, in early 2024.
Photo by Dan Macdonald
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The city issued a building permit Nov. 9 for interior remodeling of the Barz Bar & Package at 9560 Heckscher Drive for Billy Jacks, a fast-casual Southern restaurant planned by restaurateur Ben Groshell.

Groshell operates Marker 32, Valley Smoke and the Fish Camp restaurants in Palm Valley, Neptune Beach, Julington Creek and St. Augustine.

Billy Jacks, which will seat 150, will specialize in Southern cuisine and have a full bar. Groshell said in October it will open in early 2024.

Construction Specialist Group of Ponte Vedra is the contractor for the $75,285 electrical, plumbing and HVAC installation project at the North Jacksonville property.

Groshell is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He was the executive chef at Vicar’s Landing in the Ponte Vedra before opening Marker 32 at 14549 Beach Blvd., in 1992.

Marker 32 began as a white tablecloth fine dining restaurant. In recent years the decor has become more casual while the menu remains a mixture of upscale and regional dishes.

 

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