News Summary
Atlantic Beach is set to unveil ‘The Grande’, a new cocktail lounge scheduled to open for an invite-only soft launch on September 6. Targeting an upscale clientele, the lounge will offer a sophisticated nightlife experience distinct from nearby college-centric venues. With a $300,000 investment in renovations, The Grande features a dark, glamorous ambiance inspired by Las Vegas, plush seating, and a curative cocktail menu, open Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Atlantic Beach is set to welcome a new luxurious cocktail lounge, The Grande, which is scheduled to open its doors in early September. Located behind Coop 303 in the Grande Ocean luxury suites, The Grande’s soft opening is planned for September 6, and it will be an invite-only event.
The Grande is designed with a focus on providing a refined nightlife experience aimed primarily at older patrons, distinguishing itself from nearby college-centric venues like Pete’s Bar. This establishment hopes to cultivate a sophisticated atmosphere where patrons can enjoy quality cocktails and social interactions.
The lounge was conceptualized by partners Gerry Dabkowski, Andy Pitler, Bill Scrogins, and Tim Dabkowski, who identified a gap in the Atlantic Beach nightlife scene for more upscale social options. Recognizing that many local restaurants tend to close around 10 p.m., the owners aim to fill this niche by offering a venue that remains open later for those seeking a more refined night out.
The interior design of The Grande features a dark and sensual ambiance inspired by the glamorous nightlife of Las Vegas. It also pays tribute to the local beach culture, creating a unique blend that is both stylish and welcoming. The space is designed to encourage conversation and socialization with clusters of plush lounge couches and intimate two-top tables perfect for date nights. A hidden back room offers a quieter setting for those looking for more discretion during their visit.
A centerpiece of the lounge is a large, illuminated bar that stretches across the room, poised to serve a curated selection of cocktails and beverages. The facilities also include aesthetically pleasing bathrooms that have been designed to enhance the overall experience for guests.
The Grande’s primary target demographic consists of individuals aged 30 and above, but it is also expected to attract younger patrons in their 20s and 30s who are seeking an upscale nightlife experience. The lounge aims to create an environment that is both inviting and sophisticated, setting it apart from other nightlife options in the area.
To establish this luxury experience, the owners have invested around $300,000 into renovations and furnishings. This significant financial commitment reflects their dedication to creating an upscale environment that meets the expectations of their clientele. The lounge will implement a dress code conducive to its refined atmosphere, meaning beach attire will not be appropriate.
Operating hours for The Grande will be Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., offering a late-night option for those looking to unwind in style. The owners have expressed their excitement about completing the renovations and look forward to introducing a sophisticated social space to Atlantic Beach.
The inception of The Grande responds to the community’s need for a quality nightlife venue that prioritizes both comfort and elegance. With its elegant design and upscale offerings, it promises to be a refreshing addition to the Atlantic Beach nightlife landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Folio Weekly: The Grande
- Florida Today: COA Restaurant
- USA Today: Best Beaches
- Jax Daily Record: Coop 303
- Visit Jacksonville: Atlantic Beach
- Wikipedia: Nightlife
- Google Search: Atlantic Beach nightlife
- Google Scholar: nightlife atmosphere design
- Encyclopedia Britannica: nightlife
- Google News: Atlantic Beach
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
