When The Floridian owners Genie and Jeff McNally announced that their widely loved, farm-to-table restaurant would take a short hiatus while its new location was built, there were questions. At the forefront: What would the couple do with the unfamiliar concept of having time off? Sail around the world? Go on a walkabout? Loaf at home?
Not challenging enough.
Instead, the McNallys decided to dig into the deep well of unused ideas they had been stockpiling while they were busy building The Floridian into one of the area’s favorite eateries. They are now bringing two of those wild ideas to life: Bea’s Fine Foods + All Day Café and Jefe’s Fish Wagon. Both are set to open this summer.
“Jeff and I had all of these fun ideas that didn’t quite fit into The Floridian, but we couldn’t let them go,” says co-owner and Executive Chef Genie McNally. “That’s how Bea’s and Jefe’s were born. It’s going to be a really fun way for us to experiment with new ingredients and flavor profiles on a smaller, more intimate scale.”
Bea’s Fine Food + All Day Café is what co-owner Jeff McNally lovingly calls The Floridian’s little sister.
Located at 9 Anastasia Blvd., it will feature cafe-style breakfast, full-service lunch, coffee, supper and natural wines. Named after Genie’s grandmother, Bea’s will be a fun, fresh and inventive take on some of her favorite things. By night, Bea’s Supper Club will feature ingredient-driven and farm-inspired small plates and entrees, family-style sides, cast-iron pizzas and signature low-ABV cocktails. Many of The Floridian’s old-school favorites will be popping up as specials as well.
“We know people will ask, why not just open The Floridian at 9 Anastasia,” said Jeff McNally. “Genie and I let the space dictate the purpose, and it just didn’t feel right for The Floridian. Bea’s is not the same, but related … tangential. Something unique, small-scale, and hopefully pretty fun. We can’t wait to see everyone!”
Jefe’s Fish Wagon is all about no-frills handhelds that complement its location. Inspired by the backroad fish camps and seafood shacks stretching along the Southeast coast, and the beachside kiosks and snack bars of the McNallys’ favorite far-flung tropical destinations, Jefe's Fish Wagon features fully customizable burritos and sandwiches served up from their brand new food truck. Diners can choose their protein, setup (burrito, sandwich, salad or bowl), sides and extras. The food truck will be located at Hornski's Brewing Co., located at 100 Anastasia Blvd.
