The operators of Sliders Oyster Bar, a landmark Neptune Beach restaurant, bought the property Nov. 1 for $2.25 million.
218 First Street LLC sold the property to KN Properties of Neptune Beach LLC, which is led by Chris Wooten. Wooten also owns Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurants in Mayport and Crescent Beach.
218 First Street LLC bought the property for $210,000 in 1997, according to Duval County Property Appraiser records.
Wooten’s group had been leasing the site.
The restaurant, at 218 First St., is closed for remodeling. An interior bar is being constructed along the east side of the building at a cost of $150,000.
Some exterior seating will be moved from the north side of the building to the east-facing front. Most of the front wall will be removed and replaced with two garage doors, according to permits issued by the City of Neptune Beach.
No value was listed on the outdoor renovations. The work is being done by Ken Sarbu Construction Co. of Clay County.
The 4,072-square-foot building was constructed in 1984. It originally was a vehicle repair shop. It sits on 0.28 acres.
The exterior work is being done because some outside seating was lost due to stormwater backup. The renovations will not change the restaurant’s outdoor seating capacity.
The outdoor dining area will be plumbed with a drain and covered with permeable artificial grass.
The restaurant says on its Facebook page it hopes to reopen in December.
