by Beth Slater
Staff Writer
Henrietta’s, the popular Southern-Caribbean fusion restaurant in Springfield, is open under new management after closing unexpectedly July 8.
Carlos Stein had been discussing with Craig Van Horn, president of Symbiosis Investments and owner of Henrietta’s, the possibility of running part of the space at 1850 N. Main St., according to Stein.
“I’ve been talking to Craig about renting (the cafe), it just happened faster than I expected. I wanted to eventually take over the whole building,” said Stein. “Craig wants to get out of the business of restaurants and just collect rent.”
The previous managers left for personal reasons and patrons found the restaurant unexpectedly closed last Friday.
“I’m not sure of the details why the previous managers decided they didn’t want to work here,” said Stein. “I think they had disagreements with other backers.”
Stein said he was able to open the restaurant on short notice because of his connections with people at other Jacksonville restaurants and his 15 years in the food service industry.
“It repoened Monday morning. This week it’s run on a limited menu,” said Stein. “When they (the previous managers) left they canceled all the orders. To open, we had to pick up what we could from Sysco and Sam’s.
“I called people I know cook-wise and I was able to get cooks the next day. I got in Sunday, called them Sunday night and got them in Monday morning. I’ve been in Jacksonville for seven years so I pulled strings and got some friends to help.”
Henrietta’s menu should be complete again next week and Stein plans to offer more food and hours in the coming months.
“Next week we’ll get the orders in for a full menu and dinner six nights a week. In the future we plan to have Sunday brunches and be open for football games,” said Stein.
The long-term goal for the gallery side of the building is to turn it into a sports bar, Stein said. He’ll continue to use the coffee cart because he also distributes Shock Coffee, a “hypercaffienated” coffee that isn’t otherwise sold in Florida.
Stein said the immediate goal, though, is to have Henrietta’s fully staffed with a full menu.
Stein, Van Horn and the previous managers could not be reached for comment on why the restaurant was closed Friday morning.