Mudville Grille opened its doors downtown Thursday afternoon to a full house.
The third link in the family-owned chain, co-owner Ronnie Burke said the downtown experience was an exiting one.
Mudville Grille has had a location in Avondale for five years and one in St. Nicholas for over a decade.
“We’re excited to be here,” he said. “We’ve been working very hard to make it happen and we look forward to being successful here.”
Located on West Adams Street in the Schultz Building, staffers said the new location offers patrons a Mudville experience similar to what they’re used to, but with a downtown twist.
“We know downtown is most busy during lunchtime,” said Burke, adding there are plans for expanded dinner hours in the months ahead, “so we’ve put in things like a large salad bar so people can get in and out more quickly.”
A cashier has also been hired, allowing customers in a hurry to leave when they’re ready.
“We’re making it in a business that’s not making it,” said Burke. “It’s because we’re hands on. We’re not just owners, we’re the operators, too.”
And it seems the first-day customers are taking notice.
“I’m so happy Mudville opened downtown because they’re exactly what we need here,” said Kristin Coon. “They’re a successful, Jacksonville brand who can make it work where others couldn’t.”