by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
Gordos Cuban Cuisine, a family-owned, Tallahassee-based restaurant, plans to open in the Schultz Building on West Adams Street later this month.
“We have two stores in Tallahassee and are looking to expand,” said Eddie Agramonte, one of the owners of the seven-year-old business. “We have friends in Jacksonville that were insistent that we come here. We did some research and found there are plenty of incentives for business.”
Agramonte and his business partners, brother Alberto Agramonte and long-time friend Robert Morales, all with over 15 years of experience each in the industry, took on another partner, lobbyist Carlos Cruz, for the Jacksonville operation. They decided not to take advantage of City incentives, opting to lease space instead. Gordos will be occupying the former Cactus Cafe site.
“It was almost a turn-key operation,” said Eddie Agramonte. “The building was in good shape.” Equipment installation, a fresh coat of paint and the construction of a bar was all that was required.
The restaurant will open with a limited schedule. Crucial to how fast they begin staying open all week for breakfast, lunch and dinner depends on demand. Agramonte plans to monitor occupancy at the W.A. Knight loft apartments across the street and foot traffic downtown after hours to determine their operating hours.
“At first, we’ll start small and see how it goes,” he said. “If [the lofts] are 50 percent rented by our grand opening, we will be open late from day one.”
By late, he means 11 p.m. One of his Tallahassee stores is located downtown. He blames the lack of downtown housing there as the reason for small dinner crowds. Agramonte is more confident about his newest venture.
“This is a good location,” he said. “We feel we should do really well here.”
A liquor license and permitting for the 4,000 square-foot space is pending. Agramonte anticipates hiring five to 10 servers, six kitchen workers and a manager. Seating is estimated at 150. He plans a light opening the end of the month.