by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Work has begun to overhaul Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, one of the Jacksonville Landing’s largest restaurant tenants. Landing management said this week they expect the restaurant, which is co-owned by Kerry Williams and Garrett Luebker, would be closed for two and a half months to ensure work could be completed before the holidays.
“I know (Williams and Luebker) are very excited to get started on this project,” said Janice Lowe, Landing general manager. “From what I understand they’ve had plans to do this since they purchased the restaurant last year.
“They’ve let us know that this is the right time for them to move forward with them.”
Williams and Luebker purchased the Southend Brewery concept in September 2004 from North Carolina-based limited partnership Ventures, LP, just months before the Super Bowl. Minor menu and staffing tweaks have since been made, though the bulk of Southend’s previous layout and decor has been left unchanged.
“We have been working on the new plans for so many months,” Williams said. “We took our time researching and analyzing what would work best with the space that we have and really listened to what the people of Jacksonville were looking for.”
However, Lowe said the pair is keeping a tight lid on their specific plans for the waterfront space, citing “legal and contractual issues.”
A formal announcement regarding those plans is expected later this month.
”Honestly, those kinds of things are still being determined,” Lowe said. “But I know the concepts with respect to the dining and entertainment aspects are going to change.
“I think the final designs are supposed to come back any time now.”
Regardless of the changes, a brewery will likely be a part of the new concept, Lowe said.
Once work is completed, Lowe said she expects the restaurant would be able to capitalize on the increased momentum at the Landing and the rest of downtown.
“It’s a great space right on the water and there is so much that can be done there,” she said. “And now that they’ve gotten a good idea of what they have to work with at the Landing, I think they’re going to be able to realize their vision and reach new levels here.
“We’re happy for them.”