News Summary
The Beachside Seafood Restaurant & Market in Jacksonville Beach is set for a transformation as it welcomes new ownership and begins renovations. AR & JR LLC purchased the establishment for $1.2 million and plans to invest $100,000 in cosmetic updates while keeping the restaurant open. Existing staff will remain, and new menu additions including sushi-grade fish and grab-and-go sushi will be introduced. This change signifies a commitment to enhancing local dining options and maintaining employment within the community.
Jacksonville Beach is set to undergo a transformation as the Beachside Seafood Restaurant & Market welcomes new ownership and a significant renovation. The establishment, located at 120 Third St. S., has been acquired by AR & JR LLC for $1.2 million on May 1. The renovation budget for this beloved local seafood venue is approximately $100,000.
The renovations will focus primarily on cosmetic updates while keeping the original structure intact. Planned enhancements include repainting the interior and exterior, adding outdoor seating, and upgrading the bar area to create a more inviting atmosphere for customers. Importantly, the restaurant and market will remain open throughout the renovation period, ensuring that regular patrons continue to enjoy the offerings.
All existing staff, approximately 25 employees, will retain their positions during the transition, which speaks to the commitment of the new ownership to sustain community employment. The menu will preserve its popular items, including the well-loved Philly cheesesteak sandwich. In an exciting addition, the market section of the establishment will introduce sushi-grade fish and a selection of grab-and-go sushi made on-site for customers seeking new dining options.
John Panghulan serves as a spokesperson for Pearl Hospitality Group, the entity managing the restaurant. Pearl Hospitality Group is part of the Bento Group, known for operating around 50 restaurants across Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando. The new ownership marks a shift from the previous owner, Jason Arteaga, who sold the property through Jax Beach Seafood Depot LLC after purchasing it in 2008 for $900,000.
The acquiring company, AR & JR LLC, is based in Kissimmee and was previously operating out of North Carolina. The group’s president, Alex G. Rodriguez, is also a partner in Pearl Hospitality Group. This indicates a strategic move to leverage expertise in hospitality management and local restaurant operations in the Jacksonville area.
Looking toward the future, Pearl Hospitality Group plans to broaden its reach with several new restaurant openings in the works. One of the forthcoming ventures includes Koto, which will serve as a listening room in Downtown Jacksonville. Another anticipated restaurant, Norikawa, will feature scenic river views in Riverside; the name “Norikawa” translates to “by the river” in Japanese, emphasizing a unique dining experience.
In addition to the upcoming concepts, Pearl Hospitality Group also manages Norikase and Soupa Noodle Bar in Tinseltown, as well as Davolo’s Catering Company. This expansion reflects the group’s ambition to deepen its footprint in the restaurant industry while delivering various dining choices to local residents and visitors alike.
As renovations begin at Beachside Seafood Restaurant & Market, the combination of continuity in staffing, commitment to maintaining a familiar menu, and the introduction of exciting new features positions this Jacksonville Beach establishment for a successful new chapter.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pearl Hospitality Group to Open Norikawa in Downtown Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s Thriving Aquatic Community and Unique Fish Stores
Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Southern Shores Seafood Opens First Florida Restaurant
- News4Jax: Vote for Best Seafood in Jacksonville Area
- MSN: The 1 Seafood Spot in Jacksonville in 2025
- Google Search: Jacksonville Seafood
- Jax Daily Record: Beachside Seafood Restaurant Has New Owners
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Seafood Restaurants
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.
