5. MLG (Marcus Lemonis Grill) 400 North Hogan Street

MLG or Marcus Lemonis Grill plans to open in the first floor of Downtown’s historic Seminole Club building. MLG is a restaurant that will deliver locally sourced meals designed to expand and delight the palate, marrying Southern know-how with upscale flair. The restaurant evokes the perfect fusion of ART + FOOD + WINE personally selected by owner Marcus Lemonis, entrepreneur and host of CNBC’s hit reality series, The Profit. The menu showcases the natural flavors of the freshest ingredients, and all sauces, dressings, and desserts are house-made. Menu offerings include everything from small plates, fresh salads and creative sandwiches, to higher-end cuisine such as seafood, pasta and steaks, among a variety of flavorful healthy options, local craft brews, curated cocktails and mocktails and an extensive wine list. MLG’s grand opening is anticipated to take place on Friday, November 23.

For more information:

6. Mathers Social Gathering 120 East Forsyth Street (Second floor)

Plans are underway to turn the second floor of 109-year-old New York Steam Laundry building at 120 East Forsyth Street into . The Orlando-based concept is described as a swanky, sophisticated hideway serving classic cocktails. The 6,000-square-foot bar will also serve as space for events, such as corporate parties and weddings.

For more information: https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/photo-gallery/mathers-social-gathering-plans-to-open-downtown-on-east-forsyth-street

7. TossGreen 501 Riverside Avenue

Local healthful fast-casual restaurant chain Tossgreen, plans to open a 1,654 square foot restaurant on the ground-floor of the TIAA Bank Building in Brooklyn. Offering breakfast and lunch, the restaurant TossGreen currently operates three other restaurant locations throughout the city, including a downtown location in the Vystar Tower. The chain has asked the Downtown Investment Authority for funding assistance to help with the cost of its build-out.

For more information: https://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2018/11/12/tossgreen-restaurant-chain-seeks-city-funding-to.html

Article by Ennis Davis, AICP. Davis is a certified senior planner and graduate of Florida A&M University. He is the author of the award winning books “Reclaiming Jacksonville,” “Cohen Brothers: The Big Store” and “Images of Modern America: Jacksonville.” Davis has served with various organizations committed to improving urban communities, including the American Planning Association and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. A 2013 Next City Vanguard, Davis is the co-founder of Metro Jacksonville.com and ModernCities.com — two websites dedicated to promoting fiscally sustainable communities — and Transform Jax, a tactical urbanist group. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com