Christie Morgan is the new owner of Caffé Athena’s. She closed the deal Wednesday afternoon.
WHY DID YOU BUY THE RESTAURANT?
“There is a lot of appeal here. Over the last couple of years, Athena [Rassam] has made a really good go of it and made this a really nice place. I was in advertising with Husk Jennings and had been laid off when there was a downsizing. I found out this place was for sale so I came in and pursued it.”
SPRUCING UP?
“I’m very excited. We are going to come in this weekend and do some pressure washing, painting and give a little face lift to the decor. I want to give it my own personal touch, so to speak.”
OPPORTUNITY FOR ARTISTS?
Morgan is looking for local artists who would like to display their work on the brick wall in the atrium. The atrium resembles a loft with exposed brick walls, greenery, high ceilings and exposed beams. “Our menu reads, ‘The atrium dining is downtown’s best kept secret.’ There are a lot of people who do not know it is here.”
NO LAPSE IN SERVICE
They closed the deal Wednesday and the new chef starts today.
WHAT CHANGES ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE?
The menu and the name will stay the same, but there have been a few things added such as smoothies and cinnamon rolls. “Athena has established a decent clientele and we want to maintain them as well as draw more people. We will follow the daily specials that Athena offered and add some of our own.”
HOW WILL YOU USE YOUR ADVERTISING AND MARKETING SKILLS?
“You will see more signage out front and newly printed menus. We will put together a database for faxing daily specials. I will also go around to local businesses introducing myself. I would also like to really build the catering business for breakfast, lunch and special events. The atrium is also available for after hours special events and business meetings.”
TRAINING?
Morgan has been spending time at the restaurant since April to learn the business. Because Morgan has never owned a restaurant, Rassam will stay for about three weeks during the transition period. “There will be no lapse in service and everyone will still get the same great quality food.”
CONTINUING A TRADITION OF PERSONAL SERVICE
Caffé Athena’s has been open for three years and prides itself on personal service to its customers. “She’s real good with remembering faces, names and orders. I would like to apply that skill and learn from her. I want to be able to fill her shoes as far as the comfort level that people have with her.”
NEW STAFF?
She will retain the current staff, but will hire more people if needed. “We will grow the staff as the restaurant grows.”
PART OF DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT?
“I would love to implement a happy hour. With the condominiums and the Super Bowl coming, Jacksonville has so much going for it right now. I love downtown. I love the movement, people and the scenery. The more the city grows, the more I want to grow with it.”
IN HER BLOOD
She got a small business loan to buy the business and remarked how supportive her family has been. “My grandfather has been a business owner his entire life and has been successful. I know what kind of hard work is needed and what kind of dedication and spirit you have to have to make it successful.”
MOVED TO JACKSONVILLE?
Morgan grew up in Georgia and moved to Jacksonville 16 years ago when her father was transferred here as a manager with UPS.
FAMILY
She is married to Andy, who is also a manager at UPS. She has two children, Eric, 16, and Taylor, 8.
— by Michele Newbern Gillis