Sons of the owners of Salsas Mexican Restaurant intend to open a new concept this summer in the former Ruby Tuesday space at The Avenues mall.
Jose and Victor Valencia, ages 23 and 17, sons of Jesus and Blanca Valencia, created Cielo Azul Cocina Mexicana for the space at 10300 Southside Blvd.
Jesus Valencia said his sons want to continue to grow the Mexican restaurant business.
“It will be a highly Mexican full-menu concept for The Avenues mall, where people will have the chance to sit down and enjoy the food,” Valencia said.
“Cielo Azul will be offering tacos, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, fajitas, house specialties and vegetarian,” he said.
Valencia said food will be made from scratch “with authentic and quality dishes.”
The drink menu includes varieties of margaritas, mojitos, beer and wine.
He said construction should start in February and take an estimated four to five months.
The city is reviewing a building-permit application for an estimated $300,000 remodeling of the 4,435-square-foot space.
RPC General Contractors of Atlantic Beach is the contractor. Jason Canning Architect Inc. is the architect.
A Dec. 27, 2021, application to the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation shows Cielo Azul Cocina Mexicana plans 195 seats in the 3,900-square-foot area.
Jesus and Blanca Valencia have been in the restaurant business for about 16 years. Their concepts include Salsas Mexican Restaurant, Anejo Cocina Mexicana restaurants and 904 Street Tacos and Cantina.
