A rare opportunity to open a signature restaurant on Jacksonville’s Downtown riverfront.
The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) is seeking experienced restaurant operators to prequalify for an upcoming Request for Proposals to operate a new full-service restaurant within St. Johns River Park at Friendship Fountain.
The planned restaurant will feature approximately 2,400 sq. ft. of indoor dining, a 1,000 sq. ft. covered patio, and 1,800 sq. ft. of rooftop space with a service bar and scenic views of the St. Johns River. The venue will complement the park’s event lawn and wedding venue, offering both casual, family-friendly dining and full bar service, with opportunities for catering and event partnerships.
Located along the Southbank Riverwalk with sweeping river views and easy access to major cultural and event destinations, this new restaurant will become a key feature of Downtown’s evolving riverfront experience.
Key Details:
- Lease Term: Minimum five (5) years with two (2) five-year renewal options.
- Buildout: The City will deliver a warm shell, and the selected operator will complete the interior buildout and provide:
- All cooking, refrigeration, and beverage service equipment, including flatware, glassware, and smallwares.
- Bar equipment for both the main restaurant and rooftop bar.
- All furniture and upgraded fixtures.
- The City will include installation of an 8-foot hood, required grease trap(s), and a small walk-in cooler.
- Operations: Minimum hours of operation include dinner service six days a week and brunch on weekends, with flexibility to expand hours at the operator’s discretion.
- Coordination & Events: Operator will collaborate with the Parks Department and event organizers for park and wedding venue events, participate in quarterly coordination meetings, and provide food and beverage services for select City events (e.g., July 4th, New Year’s Eve, Holiday Boat Parade).
- Customer Experience & Marketing: The restaurant will be located within a highly visited public park, and operators are expected to maintain professional, customer-focused staffing and to market the restaurant actively before and after opening.
- Recordkeeping: Operators must maintain customary books, records, and reports associated with food and beverage operations.
- Register as a Supplier with the City of Jacksonville
- Review the RFP documents by clicking the links below (submission instructions can be found on pages 10-13 of the RFP pages 10-13 and in addendum #1)
- Proposals must be submitted through the City of Jacksonville 1Cloud Supplier Portal no later than Friday, October 24th at 4 p.m. Please visit https://www.jacksonville.gov/supplierportal for instruction materials.
Ruth Keith
rkeith1@coj.net
904-255-8824
Ed Ball Building – Restaurant & Bar Opportunity
Bring your concept to the heart of Downtown Jacksonville.
The Ed Ball Building offers 1,580 sq. ft. of prime ground-floor space at the corner of Hogan and Adams Streets – directly across from City Hall and surrounded by Downtown’s growing workforce, residents, and cultural attractions.
This high-visibility location is ideal for a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, or casual dining concept, with build-out flexibility, tenant incentives, and potential access to DIA’s Retail Enhancement Program.
Adjacent expansion space (1,050 sq. ft.) is also available.
Steps from James Weldon Johnson Park, the future Emerald Trail, and major employers, this space offers the perfect blend of daytime energy and evening potential.
Click here to view the marketing packet for full details and incentive information.
Contact
Allan DeVault
adevault@coj.net
(904)255-5393