Staff Writer
A restaurant returns to the Jacksonville Farmers Market in about three weeks as food service veterans Andy and Jack Akel open Andy’s Farmers Market Grill.
The brothers will use the fresh produce at the West Beaver Street farmers market on the menu. They plan to open May 3 and will serve breakfast and lunch seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The new cinderblock building sits just inside the entrance to the farmers market, not far from where Sandy’s Steer Room operated years ago. It can seat up to 30 people.
There are few restaurants with such close access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
“That’s one difference customers will really be able to taste and appreciate,” said Andy Akel, 43, who will own the restaurant with his brother, Jack, 42. “We focus on good food fast at a quality price, and the fresh produce will help us provide the best dishes we can.”
Andy has been working in the food service business for about 25 years. He and his brother own Andy’s Sandwich Shop at Lane Avenue and Interstate 10, so the new restaurant will be their second.
“It’s great work,” said Andy. “My favorite part is meeting different people.”
Akel will have the chance to meet more people at the new restaurant, which joins one of Florida’s oldest farmers markets. The Jacksonville Farmers Market offers produce from about 200 farmers and year-round vendors and attracts thousands of visitors who stop by the market each week.
The Akel brothers will staff the restaurant with another four to five people.
The restaurant is one of many improvements planned for the Jacksonville Farmers Market. Another building for vendors is in future plans, as well as converting a former grocery store, Premier Foods, for use by vendors at the market.
“It’s just part of the plan to continue to improve the market,” said Jeff Edwards, CFO of Beaver Street Fisheries, owner of the farmers market. “It’s a great opportunity for them and helps us provide a variety of products.”
Akel’s goal is to provide good food fast at a good price. A sneak peek at the menu revealed a listing for eggs, sausage, grits and toast, with coffee, going for $3.99 plus tax.
“We plan to keep the menu reasonable,” said Akel. “We expect to see a mix of blue-collar and white-collar customers. There are vendors and farmers working at the market, but there are also offices located nearby and we expect to get some traffic from them.”
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