JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — If you’ve been to Jax Beach, you’ve probably grabbed a bite or a drink at Seachasers Lounge and Southern Kitchen and Bar.
The beachfront spot sold for more than $5.5 million last week, and the new owner is planning a massive revamp.
“I am also hoping that the local residents will really like the place, because not only can they grab something to-go without driving anywhere … They can always go and get some delicious scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and dinner options,” Vera Duren told Action News Jax.
Duren plans to turn the spot into a restaurant and market called “Refinery.”
“In a lot of cities, they combine cafes and markets … if you think of Whole Foods, like some of the areas where you can get cheese and wine and things like that; take it to-go,” she said.
The restaurant’s upper story will offer fine dining, Duren says, and the downstairs space along First Street will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a more casual setting.
The market will sell beer, wine, cheese, sandwiches, and other healthier on-the-go snacks.
“We want to capture a lot of healthier options. I love quality foods and I think that area really needs a little better than what it used to be,” she added.
Duren feels Refinery is just what people at the Beaches and across Jacksonville have needed for some time.
She plans to open Refinery in mid-August. Duren says she plans to hire around 100 employees.
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