Something (really) sweet is headed this way
With Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror (even with turkey leftovers still in the fridge), we’re starting to look forward to Jacksonville’s dining scene in 2022.
Among the new restaurants slated to open next year is Sugar Factory American Brasserie at the Markets at Town Center, where diners can (really) treat themselves to $25, celebrity-endorsed Couture Pops and a $99, 24-scoop ice cream sundae. (Really.) But Sugar Factory is more than just heaps and heaps of sugar, the Times-Union's Teresa Stepzinski reports. A spring opening is planned.
Nearby at the St. Johns Town Center, work is underway at Fresh Mex & Co., a fast-casual urban grill and cantina set to take over the former Select Comfort spot between P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and M Shack. The restaurant will be the second location for Amanda and Michael Toussaint’s Tex-Mex cantina concept, which launched in 2017 at 7111 Bonneval Road.
Also coming next year is the second of as many as nine Huey Magoo’s locations planned for the greater Jacksonville area. After opening his first restaurant in mid-October at South Beach Regional shopping center in Jacksonville Beach, franchisee Michael Phillips is eyeing the former Bank of America spot at Old St. Augustine and Hartley roads in Mandarin for his next location. Known for its cooked-to-order chicken tenders, Central Florida-based Huey Magoo’s has plans to add 200 restaurants in Florida and eight other states. (Another franchise group is planning a restaurant in St. Augustine at a former Krystal site.)
See you soon, Singleton's: After more than 50 years, Singleton's Seafood Shack is temporarily closing. A week ago, the restaurant broke the news to diners on Facebook: "It’s with a sad heart that myself and family here at Singleton’s will have to close until we finish our renovations on the restaurant, we are working super hard to get back open fully so you can enjoy what we all here at Singleton’s want and expect you to enjoy." In 1969, Capt. Ray and Ann Singleton first began serving breakfast and lunch to Mayport's shrimpers out of a 20-by-20 building. They added dinner and more dining space. And more diners followed, including celebrity chef Guy Fieri, who stopped by with a production crew in 2010 for an episode of the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
Where’s all the Jewish food in Jacksonville? That's the question Times-Union reporter Emily Bloch recently asked (and answered). If you thought the city’s challah supply disappeared with the closing (and subsequent demolition) of Worman’s Bakery in 2009, you’ll be glad to know there are some worthy successors. And to those who celebrate, Happy Hanukkah.
More: 5 must-try Jewish foods in Jacksonville
Attention restaurant owners: If you plan to open on Christmas Day, share your dining plans with us using this form. For other news, please email gmills@jacksonville.com.
And for those who still have turkey leftovers in the fridge, throw them out and head out to your favorite restaurant or find a new one.
For more dining news, keep reading using the links below.
Cheers!
Gary Mills
Deputy Managing Editor
The Florida Times-Union
Email: gmills@jacksonville.com
Twitter: @garytmills
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Something (really) sweet is headed this way
