Chuy’s Mexican Food became the first restaurant to file construction plans for The Strand at Town Center when it submitted an application and architectural drawings Thursday to the city.
The Austin, Texas-based company wants to build a 312-seat, 7,692-square-foot restaurant at 4914 Town Center Parkway. That site is across from The Markets at Town Center near St. Johns Town Center.
Parkway Construction & Associates LP of Lewisville, Texas, is the contractor for the $1.8 million project. Chuy’s did not return a call or emails Thursday.
The Strand and neighboring The Crossing at Town Center are under development at Gate and Town Center parkways by PGP Jacksonville TC LLC, the real estate subsidiary of Books-A-Million Inc.
PGP Jacksonville TC LLC is listed on the permit as the property owner, indicating Chuy’s will lease the land on which to build and own its restaurant.
PGP Jacksonville TC LLC bought 45 developable acres in March and has been preparing the site.
Chuy’s operates 76 restaurants in 15 states, including Florida. The nearest to Jacksonville is in Gainesville.
The restaurant’s menu includes appetizers, soups, salads, burritos, tacos, enchiladas and fajitas. The bar’s signature drinks include margaritas, martinis and sangria.
Chuy’s is one of several restaurants planned at The Strand and The Crossing, including Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, PDQ and Moe’s Southwest Grill.
Chuy’s, Cheddar’s and Firebirds are new to the market.
Among other retailers, PGA Tour Superstore, 2nd & Charles, Goo-Goo 3 Minute Express Wash and Wawa are among the newcomers to town at the centers.
No opening dates have been announced, although several retailers indicate they expect to start doing business at the centers late next year.
Hob Nob back Aug. 19
It’s election season, so it’s time for Hob Nob.
Hob Nob 2016 is set for Aug. 19 at the Terrace Suite inside EverBank Field, just 11 days before the Aug. 30 primary election.
News 104.5 WOKV will host the event, scheduled 5-7 p.m. The public is invited and there’s no admission charge. Parking is free in Lot J.
The news station said almost 1,000 ballots were cast in a straw poll at last year’s event in races for City Council, supervisor of elections, sheriff and mayor.
A straw poll is planned this year, too. WOKV News Director Rich Jones will host a live edition of Jacksonville’s Morning News to feature candidates.
Candidates and causes typically work the event to generate support, but must reserve a table for $500 if they want to distribute campaign or promotional materials.
For information, email [email protected].
Gate to expand
Gate Petroleum Co.’s new gas station-convenience store at Interstate 295 and Collins Road is the first new store of many.
The Jacksonville-based company plans to open six more before the end of 2017, with three in Jacksonville and one each in Atlantic Beach, Nocatee and Orange Park.
Gate said that at 6,400 square feet, its new modern floor plan features its Fresh Kitchen fast-casual café and outdoor dining area. The Collins Road store also continues Gate’s partnership with YOBE yogurt, including a toppings bar.
The expansion coincides with announcements of other companies expanding in the market, especially Wawa and First Coast Energy, which operates Daily’s.
Retail notes
• The Happy Grilled Cheese food truck is building out a storefront location in Five Points at 1029 Park St. The 1,884-square-foot restaurant was approved for renovation. It’s a $106,000 construction build-out.
• Family Dollar intends to develop a store at 1878 Lane Ave. S. The 8,500-square-foot project carries a construction cost of $700,000.
• Pei Wei Fresh Kitchen is preparing to open in Mandarin at 11200 San Jose Blvd. The 3,080-square-foot build-out is a $398,040 construction project. The center also includes The Vitamin Shoppe and Mattress Firm.
• ABC Fine Wine & Spirits is constructing a store at 6313 Roosevelt Blvd. The 11,070-square-foot store and associated site improvements will be built at a cost of $1.21 million.
• Look for a $200,000 facade upgrade at 4339 Roosevelt Blvd., which houses the corporate offices for Hickory Foods Inc.
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