A new restaurant concept by the owners of the Players Grille will be reviewed by a Downtown Investment Authority committee Sept. 11, with the applicants seeking incentives to cover a portion of their projected $2.1 million build-out cost.
The Prudential Club, at 1430 Prudential Drive on the Downtown Southbank, is described in a DIA staff report as an upscale dining establishment with 9,000 square feet of interior dining space, a 6,800-square-foot patio and a lounge with a 15-seat, full-service bar and additional seating for 75 people.
The DIA Retail Enhancement and Property Disposition Committee will consider offering $345,314 in incentives for the establishment, which equates to 16% of the build-out costs. The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Lynwood Roberts Room at City Hall.
Applicants for the incentives are listed as Philip Visali, CEO, and Dominic Raices, CFO, of Players Group LLC. The ownership group, which includes Visali’s wife and business partner, Megan, bought the original Players Grille at 4456 Hendricks Ave., in 2022. The group then opened locations at 10140 San Jose Blvd. and 1075 Oakleaf Plantation Parkway near Orange Park.
In May, the group launched construction of a location inside the newly built Home2 Suites by Hilton at 600 Park St.
According to a Daily Record story from that time, the Visalis are aiming to expand the Players Grille across the country. The couple previously owned and franchised about 250 offices of the We Insurance insurance company in 30 states. They sold the business in 2021.
The Prudential Club building was the former We Insurance Jacksonville headquarters and offices for the Jacksonville branch of the American Cancer Society. When the Visalis sold the company, they retained the building.
A term sheet included with the committee’s agenda packet says the incentive would be offered as a three-year, zero-interest, forgivable loan through the DIA’s Retail Enhancement Program.
Hours are listed as 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday and Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
A menu included with the meeting materials lists tapas items such as bacon-wrapped dates, octopus and pork belly, with dinner options that include bone-in beef shank, grilled salmon and roasted chicken. Dessert items, teas and espressos also are offered. No prices are listed.