Downtown has a new breakfast and lunch option and it offers some selections that aren't found on other menus in the neighborhood.
Josh Crews and Cheyanne York opened The Corner Diner at 100 E. Forsyth St. in the former Brazil Corner location.
They also own Gene's Seafood along University Boulevard in Lakewood and are offering the "surf" part of "surf and turf" to the Downtown lunch scene.
The menu features New England clam chowder, white truffle balsamic glazed salmon, fried Mayport shrimp, pan-seared ahi tuna salad and a fried, blackened or grilled mahi sandwich.
The uncommon selections on the menu were based on research after the lease for the restaurant was signed.
"We drove around Downtown and figured out you can get a sandwich on every corner. We wanted to offer customers something new and different," said York.
Also on the lunch menu are Southern-style ribs, chicken pot pie and daily specials that might be a fried fish po' boy or a burger with Swiss cheese and a portabella mushroom. Meat loaf and fried chicken are other possibilities for the daily specials.
"Not a lot of places Downtown serve real meals for lunch. It's easy for us because that's what we know," said Crews.
"We also serve chicken salad, tuna salad, pulled pork and sub sandwiches because that's what people want sometimes," said York.
Side orders include baked beans, Greek orzo pasta salad and homemade mashed potatoes with gravy.
Breakfast begins at 7 a.m. with traditional selections plus Belgian waffles, cinnamon raisin French toast, corned beef hash, biscuits smothered with sausage gravy and eggs Benedict.
The diner usually closes at 3 p.m. but York said the restaurant will be open for dinner when there is a show at the Florida Theatre. She and Crews also are considering staying open for dinner Friday and Saturday.
"We're listening to what our customers want," she said.
The Corner Diner serves beer and wine and catering is available. Take-out orders may be faxed to (904) 354-6295.
(904) 356-2466