The historic San Marco neighborhood has undergone many changes since the pandemic. Some of the old landmarks remain like the Little Theatre, others closed in 2022, like the San Marco Theatre. But the future of San Marco is growing, with new condominiums and new restaurants and shops coming in 2023.
“San Marco is preparing to add a number of residents in the near future. Along with that comes the perfect opportunity to welcome fresh faces and bold new ideas, while honoring and building upon our rich history,” said Leah Roesler, president of the San Marco Merchants Association, “We will soon be home to many new businesses, from budding entrepreneurs to well-established brands.”
Here is a list of some of the new shops you will find in San Marco this year (a list of exact dates was not available at the time this article was written):
Jacksonville’s first plant-based creamery, The Mylkery, plans to open in March or April of this year. Owner Ashley Bland, and business partner Jasmine Andrews will take over the old Pretty Paws building at 1642 San Marco Boulevard. The shop will offer flavored almond milk beverages, a plant-based version of ice cream, cookie sandwiches, Foxtail Coffee, and bread pudding. It will be walk-in or delivery only.
The city is reviewing a permit application for Jeremiah’s Italian Ice at 4434 Hendricks Avenue. There are already six other locations in Northeast Florida. The shops sell Italian ice, ice cream and gelati.
Taverna Oceana, a new raw bar and seafood concept from the owners of the popular San Marco restaurant Taverna, is expected to open in the spring. Guests can watch their food being prepared at the oyster and champagne bar in the restaurant. The owners, husband and wife, Sam and Kiley Efron, say the menu will be inspired by Asian, Latin, Mediterranean, and American regional flavors. Taverna Oceana will open in the heart of San Marco Square, next to Taverna, at 1988 San Marco Boulevard.
There are also new shops opening this year in East San Marco, near San Marco Square, at 2039 Hendricks Avenue.
Crumbl Cookies offers different cookie flavors each week. They have 3 other locations in Jacksonville, and plan to open their fourth location sometime this year in East San Marco.
Restaurant Anejo Cocina puts a modern twist on classic Mexican dishes and will also open in East San Marco this year. This will be the restaurant’s second location in Jacksonville.
Gemma Fish & Oyster, a restaurant from the owners of Ember & Iron, plans to open in East San Marco this year. The new concept presents a modern oyster bar, fresh seafood, and a rooftop bar.
Foxtail Coffee Co. will be opening next to Gemma Fish & Oyster sometime this year. It was founded by two lifelong friends, Alex Tchekmeian and Iain Yeakle, who met years ago in South Florida while in the same kindergarten class. In 2016, they opened the neighborhood coffee shop to combine their varied business and coffee experience.
The San Marco Merchants Association hopes these new shops will help bring visitors to the area and create a stronger community.
“I look forward to nurturing relationships between merchants throughout all of San Marco in order to build a cohesive business community for the enjoyment of neighbors and visitors alike,” said Roesler.
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