Cruisers Grill recently announced plans to begin a $1.4 million renovation that will bring significant improvements to the restaurant’s interior and exterior spaces. Construction is expected to begin in late September 2018 and end in the first quarter of 2019.
The renovation marks the first significant update to the building, located 319 23 Ave. S., since Cruisers Grill opened in 1996. Enhancements will include refacing the building, the addition of a full bar, an expansion of the outdoor patio, 40 additional seats, new finishes throughout the building and a new, full-service open kitchen. Design Cooperative designed the exterior of the building and Doherty Sommers Architects Engineers will serve as the project architect. A general contractor has not yet been identified.
The restaurant will suspend daily operations by Sept. 17. A reopening date will be announced in early 2019.
“For nearly 25 years, Cruisers Grill has been privileged to serve the Jacksonville and Beaches communities,” said Bobby Handmaker, owner of Cruisers Grill. “It has been our honor to host countless first dates, birthday parties and family celebrations in those years, and to provide jobs for thousands of our neighbors. We are eager to begin renovations as soon as possible so we can introduce the bigger and better Cruisers Grill experience in the new year.”
In addition to the interior and exterior upgrades, the restaurant will reopen with an expanded menu. Longtime guests favorites such as the half-pound burgers, marinated chicken and fries with house-made ranch dressing will remain menu staples; new additions will include house corned beef, house smoked pastrami and house baked turkey, among others.
