The Italian Vines opening at Avenues Junction
The Italian Vine's LLC expects to open The Italian Vines wine shop the first week in June in the Avenues Junction center at 9475-4 Philips Highway.
Angelo Bondi, manager of The Italian Vine's LLC, said the Italian wine shop will offer wine tastings, cheese courses and Italian food specialty products.
The Italian Vine's LLC registered with the state March 11. Its logo is The Italian Vines Fine Wine & More.
A PowerPoint presentation from Bondi says The Italian Vines will offer an extensive variety of wines from exclusive wineries in Italy. Customers can socialize in the Wi-Fi-accessible lounge area.
Wine tastings and by-the-glass customers can sample products before buying a bottle.
"Our shelves will be stuffed with wonderful selections of gourmet Italian foods, wine and premium coffee," says the presentation.
The Avenues Junction is next to the Regal Avenues Stadium 20.
Bondi said he will run the shop with his daughter, Nicole Bulas, who will be responsible for marketing and promotions, and his niece, sommelier Jennifer Bulas, a 2011 graduate of the USSA
Wine School at Le Cordon Bleu class of 2011.
Jennifer Bulas said Tuesday the goal is to create a relaxing atmosphere.
"I would be there most of the time as a guide and a teacher for anyone who has questions," she said, explaining the shop will offer a learning experience about Italian wines and foods.
Bulas said the hours might vary, but initially could be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
She said people could visit to socialize, access the free Wi-Fi and snack on cheese.
"People can work there and have a glass of wine while they work," she said.
The Italian Vines will sell cheeses, olive oil and coffees imported from Italy. It also will sell seasonal gift baskets that could include imported pesto sauces, artichokes, pasta, balsamic vinegar and "everything Italian."
Remodeled Lee's Chicken in Mandarin might feature Jimmy John's
The City is reviewing site development plans for Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches to occupy a former Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken restaurant at 11616 San Jose Blvd. The agent is Janet O. Whitmill and owner and developer is C.A. Scott of Thomasville, Ga. Scott bought the property April 11.
The 2,369-square-foot restaurant building is on just under a half-acre.
The Jimmyjohns.com site shows nine locations in the Jacksonville area.