Candy Apple Café & Cocktails is permanently closed, the restaurant’s owners announced Thursday on Facebook and on their website.
The Downtown restaurant shared space with Sweet Pete’s Candy in the 115-year-old former Seminole Club property at 400 N. Hogan St., across from City Hall.
On Facebook, owners Jennifer and Liz Earnest wrote that they are “simply unable to overcome the revenue losses we have incurred as a result of the prolonged closure of the building.”
The building closed Aug. 10 to the public after Sweet Pete’s owners found condensation forming inside the building.
Sweet Pete’s co-owner Allison Behringer said Wednesday that the third-floor insulation had to be removed and replaced and the ventilation system needed extensive repairs.
They also plan to paint the building’s exterior.
Behringer said she expected the repairs to be completed by Oct. 1. While Sweet Pete’s is closed to the public, the industrial kitchen remains open to fill corporate and internet orders.
They did not mention that the restaurant was closing.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the closing of The Candy Apple Cafe & Cocktails, which contributed to the growing and thriving restaurant community in Downtown Jacksonville,” read the note from the owners.
“Opening and operating such a unique, out-of-the-box restaurant in the heart of our city’s urban core — and growing it to be a destination that was loved by people of all ages — was an incredible experience, and one we will always cherish.”
Sweet Pete’s moved to the location from Springfield in 2004 after Marcus Lemonis of the reality television show “The Profit” decided to become a partner.
Lemonis invested in the company and the building, which had been vacant. In its heyday, it was the private Seminole Club.
The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails restaurant opened on the first floor in 2014.
“We are proud of what we built: the food, the drinks, the memories, and especially the team of loyal employees and guests who made it all possible,” the owners said.
“Thanks to everyone for the years of fun and support, and for making this wild venture a success. We look forward to serving you through one of our other ventures.”
