by Glenn Tschimpke
Staff Writer
Four years ago, Frank Gallo said “no way” to downtown. As the owner of some of Jacksonville’s finest restaurants —Sterling’s of Avondale, Bistro 17 and Fatty Tuna Sushi Bar — he wouldn’t have tried to open an upscale eatery in the Central Business District with found money.
“It wasn’t the time. I didn’t think downtown would work,” he said.
It’s time now. Within the next few weeks, Gallo will open an extension of his popular Avondale eatery, Sterling’s, in The Seminole Club on the corner of Hogan and Duval streets. Club members need not fret, Sterling’s will only occupy the first floor of the building as a tenant. The Seminole Club will continue to operate on the second floor with Gallo as its new general manager.
What’s different downtown now that put Gallo over the edge? With the existing and proposed government buildings within a few block radius from The Seminole Club, Gallo saw an opportunity to break into downtown.
“With the federal courthouse going up across the street and City Hall to the side, this is the perfect menu,” he said.
Along with Jerry Moran, who plans to open the upscale dinner restaurant La Cena, Gallo is one of two private restaurateurs, excluding hotels, who is breaking away from the standard lunch cafe template that permeates downtown — a sign that the core city may be making a resurgence.
“People are tired of deli foods at lunch,” said Gallo. They want a place where they don’t have to drive but where they can walk to lunch and grab a bite to eat in an elegant atmosphere. It will be fresh, innovative, inexpensive and quick.”
Sterling’s of Downtown will initially offer a sit-down lunch only and some catering. Within a year, Gallo anticipates opening for dinner during special events downtown to accommodate functions at the Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art, the T-U Center and others.
Gallo expects a regular Sterling’s menu that includes sandwiches, a catch of the day, steaks, pastas and other upscale fare, but promises he won’t shun those with a more frugal wallet. Future plans could include a continental breakfast bar where patrons can grab a quick cup of coffee and a Danish.
Changes to the Seminole Club will be tasteful, he promises, if not right away.
“It will take a while to get the feel of the place,” he said. “I’d like to upgrade the banquet packages for members as well as a few other things.”
New awnings outside and outdoor seating could happen within the next few weeks.