Mathers Social Gathering plans to open Downtown on East Forsyth Street

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Mathis Report

Mathers Social Gathering, an Orlando-based concept described as a swanky, sophisticated hideaway that serves classic cocktails, will join the nightlife scene Downtown along East Forsyth Street near the Florida Theatre.

Orlando investors spent $1.08 million to acquire adjacent buildings next to the Florida Theatre and plan to turn one into the social gathering lounge.

Orlando-based 120 E Forsyth LLC closed Monday on the two-story, almost 12,000-square-foot structure next to the Florida Theatre. Property records show it was built in 1909, although the buyers are awaiting more precise history details.

It bought the property for $830,000 from LB Jax Development LLC.

“We chose this site because we believe in the Downtown district and want to be part of its growth,” said operator Team Market Group partner Romi Mawardi.

“We also love old historic buildings and repurposing them for others to enjoy,” he said Monday.

The buyers intend to open their second Mathers Social Gathering on the second floor of the building.

‘Huge hit’ in Orlando

Mawardi said Mathers has been a “huge hit” in Orlando and the team looks forward to bringing the concept to Downtown Jacksonville.

He said there is no expected opening other than before New Year's. He said the location will be similar to the Orlando Mathers. He hopes to submit plans in a few weeks.

The 6,000-square-foot Mathers Social Gathering at 120 E. Forsyth St. also will serve as space for events, such as corporate parties and weddings.

Mawardi said the group is talking to business owners in Orlando to see if they are interested in bringing concepts to the first floor. For now, it is available for short- or long-term lease and he invites anyone interested to email [email protected].

Team Market Group also bought the adjacent Ann Teague Bonding Agency Inc. building at 112 E. Forsyth St. on May 22.

Through 112 E Forsyth LLC, Team Market Group paid $250,000 for the roughly 2,000-square-foot, three-story structure built in 1904.

Ann Teague Bonding Agency bought the property in 2003 for $150,000 from WW Properties LLC.

Mawardi said that will be used for office space for now.

Bidding war for property

Margie Seaman of Seaman Realty and Management Co. represented the sellers. Lincoln Property Co. Associate Matthew Weinberger in Orlando represented the buyer.

Seaman said she understands that 112 E. Forsyth St. is slated for residential development.

LB Jax bought the 120 E. Forsyth St. building in 2014 for $450,000 from Old Republic National Title Insurance Co.

Mike Langton, managing member LB Jax, said that when he bought the building he tried to bring in a restaurant or bar. When that didn’t happen, he decided about a year ago to sell it.

Seaman said four bidders made offers. Langton said a bidding war among two raised the asking price of $800,000 by $30,000.

“It probably shows to me that people outside of our Jacksonville environment understand the potential of Downtown Jacksonville where some in the city don’t get it,” Langton said.

He said the speakeasy planned on the second floor “is just a spectacular place and it’s going to be a center of activity and meeting for a lot of our Downtown people.”

Langton said Team Market Group is interested in acquiring other Downtown buildings and he will assist them in terms of identifying city incentives, grants or other assistance.

“I am going to stay involved,” he said.

‘All the cool buildings’

Mawardi said Monday the 112 and 120 E. Forsyth St. plans are a big move for the Team Market Group. He considers Team Market Group the leader for hospitality development in downtown Orlando.

“We chose Jacksonville because of all the cool buildings and the need in Jacksonville for some nightlife and fun,” Mawardi said.

Mawardi said the Orlando Mathers serves a high-end clientele.

The drink menu shows cocktails, “social potions” available in decanters, wines, spirits, beer, champagne, juices and other drinks. Cocktail prices range from $12-$18. By the glass, beer is $7 and wine is $10 to $15.

The “Bites” menu includes a cheese board, a charcuterie board of cured meats, a feta plate of cheese and pita slices, a Mediterranean prosciutto sandwich, caprese skewers and more.

Bites items at the Orlando Mathers range from $7 for a blend of olives to $24 for the cheese board.

Mawardi also said every aspect of the design is created through Team Market Group, which won design awards.

Mathers in Orlando is described as “a stylish, dark wood exposed brick filled hideaway housed on the third floor of a vintage furniture store from the late 1800s” at 30 S. Magnolia Ave.

“Ample parlor seating allows patrons to relax with their friends and mingle with other guests while enjoying the swanky, historical atmosphere” reminiscent of late 1800s Orlando.

Its “dapper bartenders” create classic and modern drinks and Mathers offers small plates for food service.

Mawardi said the group does not disclose the investment it makes in redevelopment.

Teammarketgroup.com calls itself “one of Orlando’s most successful companies in entertainment and nightlife management.”

Team Market Group was created in 2006 by brothers Keith, Daniel and Romi Mawardi.

“The company has built a firm reputation as being influential in the hospitality industry, specializing in nightlife operations, marketing and entertainment,” says the site.

It says it created Tier Nightclub, ONO Nightclub, Team Events, Celine Orlando and Mathers Social Gathering.

Its website also includes ONO Poke Shop in Miami as based on the Hawaiian delicacy of poke with a Japanese twist.

It describes Tier Nightclub as more than 10,000 square feet of party space with resident and guest DJs. ONO Nightclub is a high-energy dance club. Celine is a multifaceted entertainment space with capacity for 1,000 occupants.

Team Market Group says it also created and sold Vain Nightclub (sold in 2011), Saddle Up All American Bar (sold in 2016), Knights Pub UCF (2017), and 23, Sound Bar, Oak Room and Native (all sold in 2013).

“The team has worked tirelessly to design, develop and curate each one of our brands in-house,” says the website. “The goal is to turn its businesses into a multifaceted and recognized brand name among the marketplace.”