by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Landing welcomed a temporary tenant earlier this month, marking the opening of a second seafood restaurant at the waterfront mall. Joining Benny’s Steaks & Seafood, Jax Beach Seafood is open in the lower-level space formerly occupied by Ruby Tuesdays.
Open for little more than a week, it’s the second restaurant venture for business partners Louis Stewart and Rebecca Darlington. The Jacksonville natives have another store on University Boulevard.
“We hope we can give something to Landing that doesn’t have right now,” said Darlington. “Everything here is fresh and made from scratch from the hushpuppies and the sauces, to the cole slaw.”
Landing spokesperson Rachel Kaltenbach said the pair is currently halfway through a two-month lease at the Landing. However, they may extend that option based on the restaurant’s performance.
“As of right now, they’re here on a trial basis,” said Kaltenbach. “I think they’re basically testing the water to see how it goes and, from what I understand, they’re getting a really nice lunch business. We hope they decide to stay.”
Capitalizing on special events including the Gator Bowl — Kaltenbach reported “incredible business” during much of that weekend — and, later, the Super Bowl next month, Darlington said she was unsure if Jax Beach Seafood would be around after its Feb. 10 deadline comes and goes.
“It’s hard to say right now,” she said. “Honestly, we just wanted to be sure we could be here when all of the NFL festivities are here. We haven’t started negotiating beyond that. However, if people come down and make it worth our while, who knows?”
Open everyday for lunch and dinner, Jax Beach Seafood features daily specials and a full bar. Various seafood platters and combination dinners also are available.