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Southern Grounds Coffee Chain Expands to Jacksonville Beach

Exterior view of Southern Grounds coffee shop at Jacksonville Beach

News Summary

Southern Grounds, a well-regarded coffee chain, is opening a new location in Jacksonville Beach the week of June 9. Situated at 2405 Third St. S., the café will occupy 2,600 square feet within the Costa Verde Shops, providing both indoor and outdoor seating. The expansion aims to foster community engagement and will emphasize a varied menu while eliminating seed oils for healthier options. This new establishment complements Southern Grounds’ existing presence in Northeast Florida, with plans for further growth in the area.

Jacksonville Beach is set to welcome a new location of Southern Grounds, a popular coffee chain, during the week of June 9. This latest addition will be situated at 2405 Third St. S., nestled near 25th Avenue South, and aims to create a vibrant community space in the Costa Verde Shops, a shopping center that is home to various other businesses.

The new Southern Grounds location will fill the space previously occupied by Two | One | Four by Rachel Lazzara and is located just east of SoNapa Grille. Encompassing approximately 2,600 square feet, the restaurant will feature both indoor and outdoor seating options within the open-air plaza, providing a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

Southern Grounds has built a strong presence in Northeast Florida, currently operating five locations, including one at 200 First St. in Neptune Beach. The restaurant is managed locally by the Restaurant & Hospitality Investment Group, which aims to enhance local dining options while maintaining high standards of service and hospitality. The new Jacksonville Beach location comes as part of a broader expansion strategy, which also includes plans for a site at Mayo Clinic Florida and a coffee shop at The Hub in Downtown Brooklyn, scheduled to open in early 2026.

In line with its mission to offer a unique dining experience, Southern Grounds plans to serve an extensive menu that goes beyond just coffee and pastries. Customers can expect an array of coffee options, juice drinks, beer, and wine, complemented by food items that prioritize less processed options. The restaurant has notably eliminated seed oils from its menu, indicating a focus on healthier ingredients.

The coffee served at Southern Grounds will feature the Intelligentsia brand, sourcing beans from around the world to ensure quality flavor profiles. Owner Mark Janasik has emphasized coffee as a means of connection and food as an element of culture, intent on providing a space that nourishes the soul. This vision influences the design and ambiance of the establishment.

An important aspect of the dining experience at Southern Grounds is the absence of Wi-Fi service, which the management believes will encourage customers to engage in personal interactions rather than getting distracted by technology. Moreover, the establishment will not offer drive-thru services, reflecting Janasik’s Mediterranean influences on hospitality and the desire to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for lingering conversations.

The Costa Verde Shops, established in 1972, has become a vibrant hub in Jacksonville Beach, featuring not only restaurants but also jewelry stores and clothing shops, anchored by Casa Maria. The presence of various businesses contributes to a community-focused environment, making it an ideal location for the expansion of Southern Grounds.

Group 4 Design Inc. of Jacksonville is tasked with the design of the new restaurant, while RPC of Atlantic Beach serves as the general contractor. The team’s goal is to create an inviting and aesthetically pleasing space that aligns with Southern Grounds’ vision of combining high-quality food and coffee with a strong sense of community.

As Jacksonville Beach gets ready for the opening of Southern Grounds, many in the area are excited about the addition of another unique dining option that promises to enhance the community’s culinary landscape.