Three years in the making, The HUB will fill an important need in the vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood by introducing an intimate gathering place with an emphasis on exceptional food and hospitality.
Jacksonville, FL (October 31, 2024) – Today, Restaurant & Hospitality Investment Group (RHIG)– a collection of award-winning, chef-driven concepts committed to sustainability, community engagement, and exceptional hospitality– has broken ground on The HUB, a mixed-use sustainable urban hospitality project located in Jacksonville’s Historic Brooklyn neighborhood. Situated on Riverside Avenue, The HUB will combine historic scale with modern architecture, creating a gathering place that celebrates community, sustainability, and creativity.
“Bringing The HUB to life has been a journey made possible by the incredible support of our community, the city, and our dedicated stakeholders,” said Mark Janasik, owner of RHIG. “This project embodies our commitment to quality and authenticity, uniting our community-first approach with sustainable practices and genuine hospitality. Our vision for The HUB has always been to create an inviting space where people from all walks of life can connect and experience the best of Jacksonville’s Brooklyn neighborhood, and we look forward to making this a reality.”
The HUB’s groundbreaking comes as RHIG moves its ingredients away from seed oils and continues to expand its offerings of low-inflammation, healthy, and sustainable dishes for its customers. In partnership with Cronk Duch Architecture & CD+urban studio, it will feature open courtyards, shaded loggias, and rooftop terraces designed to serve as vibrant spots for social interaction, culinary experiences, and more. It will draw on the architectural heritage of Brooklyn’s historic mid-century buildings, including the Catlin Studebaker and Terry Buick dealerships, serving as an urban oasis in the center of the growing Brooklyn neighborhood.
“Rooted in the architectural essence of Brooklyn’s past, our design invites neighbors and residents alike to experience beautiful courtyards and shared spaces that inspire connection and well-being,” said Joe Cronk, Owner of Cronk Duch Architecture & CD+urban studio. “We are eager for this project to become a beloved gathering spot and look forward to seeing what it holds for the future of our community.”
The HUB’s buildings will be designed to complement the Brooklyn neighborhood’s original scale and in an architectural language that speaks to the future while drawing inspiration from its industrial past. Occupying a corner of the last remaining block on Riverside Avenue with historical buildings, it will offer a respite amid an advancing fabric of urban towers and asphalt. Created as a place to meet friends for coffee and artisanal fare, it will also serve as a refuge from the office grind, a spot to refresh after walking the Emerald Trail, or a destination for cocktails and al fresco dining before an evening event. Less indoor dining and more shaded outdoor gathering spaces will offer flexible, shared use while reducing energy consumption, and parking in adjacent elevated structures will reduce asphalt footprints within the block, along with dockless mobility zones for alternate transportation opportunities.
The HUB will be anchored by Southern Grounds, the Sky Bar and Alder & Oak. Southern Grounds is RHIG’s chef-driven coffee house that has gained tremendous popularity with coffee aficionados and foodies over the past 9 years with sustainable and all-day fare. The Sky Bar offers an elevated craft cocktail experience and small plates with city skyline views, and Alder & Oak focuses on rustic, Aegean-inspired wood-fired dishes, all in a unique urban setting. In addition, an event venue will accompany The HUB’s dining offerings, supporting local artists, entrepreneurs, and community initiatives through job training programs, cultural events, and more to enhance the neighborhood’s social and economic vitality.
“The HUB will become a true gathering place, and we hope it sets a new standard for urban hospitality by inspiring sustainable development in more communities,” said Janasik. “As we open this new chapter, we look forward to welcoming everyone to share in the vibrant community we’re growing together.”
For more information about The HUB and its developments, visit www.rhinvestmentgroup.com.
About Restaurant & Hospitality Investment Group (RHIG)
Restaurant & Hospitality Investment Group (RHIG) is an award-winning collection of dynamic, chef-driven concepts committed to sustainability, community engagement, and exceptional hospitality. Guided by responsible sourcing practices and partnerships with local farmers, RHIG ensures that every hospitality experience supports both environmental stewardship and community well-being. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, RHIG’s portfolio includes Southern Grounds, Blueberry Bakery, Oaxaca Club, Alder & Oak, and Rosetta Room, and continues to expand. For more information, visit www.rhinvestmentgroup.com.
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