by Glenn Tschimpke
Staff Writer
The Landing has found a willing tenant to fill the restaurant space that was vacated by Jocks ‘n’ Jills last Halloween.
Jason Jaffe, the financier behind the Huey’s-to-Bourbon Street Raw Bar and Grill conversion, is in contract negotiations with Landing owner Rouse Company to open a new sports bar called Legends.
“We will be open by St. Patty’s Day,” boasted Jaffe, pointing to March 17.
Landing manager John Kiddy said Jaffe has not yet signed a lease agreement, but has authorization to do limited work in the vacant space until that time.
“The space is pretty turnkey,” said Kiddy. “A lot of what these guys have to do is freshen the place up — put new carpet in, refinish the wood floors and put a new coat of paint up.”
Virtually all the restaurant furniture and fixtures remain in place from the Jocks ‘n’ Jills era — they’re all property of the Landing. Very little capital outlay is needed to bring life back to the waterfront dining establishment. Both the kitchen and dining room need barely more than a thorough cleaning to become operational.
Legends will differ slightly from the previous restaurant. Manager Tom Palmer promises to offer cheaper food and a more extensive menu.
“Jocks ‘n’ Jills ran a little bit high of a menu to offset their bar expenses,” he said. “They had dollar drafts all the time and other drink specials. Overall, we’re going to be a little cheaper. We’ll have a fresh catch, more pasta dishes and a little bit more of an upscale menu.”
Sports memorabilia, from jerseys to helmets to shoes worn by prominent athletes, will be for sale. Palmer said he will probably offer a line of Legends apparel, from sweatshirts to ball caps. He also plans to focus on a wide range of pay-per-view events, from wrestling to boxing to help attract customers and plans to bring a radio show to the restaurant at some point.
Progress on Jaffe’s other project, Bourbon Street Raw Bar and Grill, is nearing completion. Estimated opening date is next Thursday at 11 a.m.
The opening of Bourbon Street and Legends will fill a void in the Landing’s restaurant portfolio. The only major restaurant space left to fill is situated just above Legends, formerly St. Johns Tavern and Grill. Kiddy would like to see an Irish pub-style restaurant there and has talked to the owners of two popular pubs, Lynches Irish Pub and Fly’s Tie. Negotiations have not gone further than preliminary talks, however. The old St. Johns Tavern and Grill location, while virtually turnkey like the space below, is in slightly worse repair. A large section of wood flooring must be replaced as part of any renovation.
Kiddy would like the future tenants to take a different approach to the space.
“I’m looking for this place to be not so much a dining location, although people will dine here,” he said. “I’m looking for more of an entertainment angle. I’d like to draw an eclectic crowd from Avondale as well as JU and even San Marco.”
Kiddy points specifically to Lynch’s Irish Pub in Jacksonville Beach, which has a full kitchen and bar menu as well as a steady schedule of live entertainment throughout the week.
Jaffe has also expressed an interest in the space, but would not comment on what type of eatery he would open. A relative newcomer to the Landing, Jaffe exudes optimism for the downtown center.
“The Jacksonville Landing is the future,” he said. “I just think this is going to be a hot spot, especially with the Super Bowl coming.”