A mom-and-pop Mediterranean restaurant, Zodiac Bar & Grill, considered a downtown Jacksonville institution, closed permanently after 20 years of serving office workers, federal judges, lawyers, and other guests. Located at 128 W. Adams St., the eatery was known for its popular lunch buffet and after-work gatherings. The closure marks a sad ending to the dream of Jeriees and Rima Ewais, who opened the restaurant in February 2000.
Zodiac Bar & Grill was founded with the vision of creating a casual dining space that combines quality Mediterranean cuisine with a friendly atmosphere. The founders aimed to offer a unique dining experience that emphasizes fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, making it a beloved spot in downtown Jacksonville.
The Impact of COVID-19
"We tried to fight for survival but didn't succeed," Ewais told the Times-Union on Tuesday. The husband-and-wife restaurateurs had celebrated the eatery's 20th anniversary in February 2020. Their celebration was short-lived as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in Duval County, devastating their business. Zodiac Bar & Grill relied on its lunch crowd - downtown office workers, court personnel, store employees, and visitors, Ewais said. Because their customers were working from home due to the pandemic, they no longer came in for the lunch buffet, the couple said.
"We've done the lunch buffet for the last 17 years and this was our main income for lunch," he said. "Since we couldn't serve the lunch buffet [due to COVID-19 precautions] all this year, our business dropped 70 percent to 80 percent," Ewais said. Rima Ewais said takeout or delivery just wasn't a feasible option for them. "People don't realize that our main customers were people who were working downtown who would walk to us during their lunch break," she said. "But 95 percent of them were working from home and hardly any of them would come back downtown to have lunch or take lunch home." She also said they used third-party delivery services, but it really didn't help their situation.
Compounding the pandemic problems, the couple said, was the challenge of downtown parking as well as nearby building projects over the past three or four years. Ewais said their business wasn't the only one to suffer from the pandemic and other challenges. "Sadly, most of our colleagues in the downtown area are suffering, too," he said. Some have bought food trucks to try to offset the loss of dine-in customers. Others, however, might have to close, he said. "Businesses like ours, especially lunch and breakfast places, maybe dinner, they will not succeed in any way from now to another four or five years," Ewais said, citing the pandemic and other factors including the economy. Downtown, he said, is largely vacant right now. Not unlike 2000 when the couple opened the Zodiac.
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"Offices are empty. Buildings are empty. Nobody is walking on the street. This is exactly the same picture of 2000. The scenario is repeating itself," Ewais said. Small downtown businesses like their restaurant, he said, generally have been forgotten and overlooked by city leaders over the past few years as the focus is on major development projects such as Lot J. "The city will care more about the big apples. They care about Lot J, JEA, etc. so we [small downtown businesses] have been failed," Ewais said. He also said big projects like Lot J will benefit some areas of the city but it shouldn't be done at the expense of downtown small businesses.
A Look Back at Zodiac Bar & Grill
Established as a local dining option in Jacksonville, Zodiac Bar & Grill quickly gained popularity for its diverse menu and friendly service. Over the years, it expanded its offerings to include a buffet option for quick lunches and developed a reputation for hosting live music events, enhancing the dining experience.
Menu Highlights
Zodiac Bar & Grill offered a diverse menu that included traditional Greek dishes, Mediterranean specialties, and a selection of beverages. The restaurant catered to various dietary preferences, ensuring that there was something for everyone. Guests could enjoy a range of dishes, from gyros and hummus to grilled meats and fresh salads, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. The buffet was particularly popular among office workers and groups looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. Special events often featured themed menus and live entertainment, enhancing the overall experience.
- Casual dining area
- Full-service bar
- Outdoor seating options
- Live music events
- Buffet service during lunch hours
Community Engagement
Zodiac Bar & Grill has significantly influenced the local dining scene by introducing authentic Greek dishes to Jacksonville. Its commitment to quality and community engagement has fostered a loyal customer base, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the area. The restaurant continues to uphold its founding values by regularly updating its menu and maintaining high standards of service. This dedication to quality ensures that both new and returning customers enjoy a consistent and satisfying dining experience. Zodiac Bar & Grill actively engages with the Jacksonville community by participating in local events and supporting nearby businesses. The restaurant often collaborates with local artists and musicians, creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourages community interaction.
The local community views Zodiac Bar & Grill as a welcoming and friendly establishment. Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's commitment to quality food and service, often recommending it as a top choice for Mediterranean cuisine in downtown Jacksonville. Zodiac Bar & Grill hosts various events, including live music nights and special themed dinners, fostering a sense of community among patrons. These gatherings not only enhance the dining experience but also create opportunities for social interaction and cultural exchange.
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Reviews and Reputation
Reviews of Zodiac Bar & Grill highlight a range of experiences, showcasing both strengths and areas for improvement. Overall, the restaurant was well-regarded for its food quality and service. Patrons frequently complimented the restaurant for its fresh Mediterranean dishes, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere. The buffet was particularly praised for its variety and value, making it a popular choice for lunch. Some reviews mentioned occasional inconsistencies in service during busy hours. While most guests enjoyed their meals, a few have noted that specific dishes did not meet their expectations. However, the overall sentiment remained positive.
Final Thoughts
Zodiac Bar & Grill stood out as a reliable choice for Mediterranean cuisine in Jacksonville. With its commitment to quality and community engagement, it attracted a loyal customer base while providing a pleasant dining experience. Despite its closure, the restaurant's legacy in Jacksonville's dining scene remains significant.
Future Plans
Ewais said he and his wife don't think downtown will recover soon. So, the couple is hoping to possibly reopen Zodiac or open a new eatery in a neighborhood outside of downtown but not in the suburbs. Ideally, they would like to relocate to Springfield, Murray Hill, or Riverside. "Hopefully, we can find something soon. …We do believe in neighborhood businesses. We like to be in the community," he said.
Other Closures
Zodiac Bar & Grill is not the first - and might not be the last - downtown eatery to close due to business lost due to the pandemic. 10/Six Grille, the Alice in Wonderland-themed restaurant in the historic Seminole Club building at 400 N. Hogan St., closed permanently less than a year after its opening - a casualty of the pandemic. The restaurant never reopened after the mandatory statewide shutdown of restaurants in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. 10/Six Grille owner Russ Disparti told the Times-Union in August that he couldn't afford to reopen because most of the restaurant's customers - downtown office workers - continued to work at home due to the pandemic. Also in August, the Magnificat Cafe, a French-American restaurant at 231 N. Laura St. closed after 17 years in business.
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