by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Stemming from the recently passed no-smoking laws that affected many Duval County restaurants, the European Street Cafes in Riverside and San Marco are adding covered seating outside.
A patio already has opened at the Park and King location. The San Marco deck will be finished by early January. Work began in September.
“Obviously, when the no-smoking laws passed, we knew we wanted to do something for our customers,” said Margaret McKenzie, manager of the San Marco store.
McKenzie has worked for European Street since it opened its original, but now closed, store near Regency Square 25 years ago.
“But, also,” she said, “it just made sense for us to do this, because the space that we’re converting here was just being used for storage before. This is a much better use for it and, when it’s finished, our patrons will be able to enjoy a riverfront view. You can’t get much better than that.”
Adding anywhere from 10-20 spots outside, McKenzie said the patio will be kept cool during the summer months and warm throughout much of winter.
“We think it’s going to work out great and we’re excited to see it completed,” said McKenzie. “We got started on it when we were having all of that bad weather, the hurricanes. To be this close is wonderful and we think people are going to enjoy it.”
In addition to the two previously mentioned European Street locations, a third store is open near the intersection of Beach and University boulevards. At this time, there are new plans to add any outside seating.