When we move, it's a movement...Part II

‘Like anywhere else, there are no coincidences. Probability makes for accomplices, and change creates meaning’

the floridian is moving. again. here’s what to know about the journey and the destination that lay before us:

Fifteen years ago (or thereabouts), a few intrepid (read: naive) young folks set out to found a comfortable, casual, contemporary eating establishment, based upon the simple principle that ‘food is important’. Locally-sourced ingredients, roots in Southern traditions, culinary and stylistic inspiration from all of Florida’s diverse multi-culturalism and (shall we say?) eccentricities, knowing nods to ‘natural/healthy’ dietary predilections (what is tempeh?), a welcoming atmosphere with a ‘come one, come all’ ethos—all combined to create what became a pretty popular little eatery.

With Jeff and Genie McNally at the helm (that’s us!), The Floridian sailed along at its original location on Cordova St. until an opportunity arose that just couldn’t be passed up. So it went that in 2015 we began the complete renovation and re-envisioning of a century-old building on Spanish Street, with a Grand (Re)Opening in September of that year. Growth. Adaptation. Evolution. Movement. Forward momentum. The fulfillment of a vision, with a continued dedication to our guiding principles: good food, quality service. Despite the occasional hurricane and pandemic, The Floridian persisted. Ain’t sunk yet.

As we might have mentioned before, history is a process. Evolution is unavoidable.  We know that time and space conspire in an elegant thermodynamic dance to induce entropy, change. To paraphrase Leonard Cohen, ‘who are we to refuse the universe?’. After 10 lovely years at our home on Spanish Street—15 years total in the humble hamlet known as Downtown St. Augustine—we are once again hoisting our sails, grabbing the fresh wind, and traveling to a new island location across the water—Anastasia Island to be specific.

So here we are again. A shift. A change. The last day of service at 72 Spanish Street will be Monday, July 28th, 2025. We are now in the process of constructing a new restaurant build-out at 485 Old Beach Road, on the way to and from St. Augustine Beach—a crossroads of sorts, between the land and sea, the entry corridor of Historic St. Augustine and the beach residents and the neighborhoods across the bridge. Set to open late Fall/Winter 2025, there will be a pause in operations that is unavoidable. But with clear eyes and full hearts, we will open our doors at our new home as soon as possible, and welcome back all of our Floridian friends, family and fans—the same Floridian you know and love, just in a new location to better serve you and yours.

Some FAQ's to help further elucidate or new endeavor:

Where? 485 Old Beach Rd./ On the corner of Old Beach and A1A Beach Blvd (East of the SR 312 intersection) 

When? Set to open Late Fall/Winter 2025

Why? See above. Fresh digs. Parking. Local Vibes.

Outdoor seating? Yes! The new design includes a wrap-around porch deck with outside tables, as well as a Side-yard Garden Space for casual and fun hangs

Private Parties? Yes! Please email reservations@thefloridianstaug.com for more information.

Who? It's still us! Jeff and Genie McNally and their band of misfits.

Any further questions can be sent to info@thefloridianstaug.com. We'll be happy to answer them.  

When we move, there's a movement...

Hi everyone. In case you haven't heard, The Floridian has changed things up a bit. And we'd like the world to know, and to get as excited as we are. So then. We have officially moved! down the street.  

First, the sappy sentiments: We loved our former--our first home. Many others are quite keen on it as well. It has been our life for the past five years and we wouldn't be where we are without it. That much is true. Friends, family and co-workers have celebrated marriages and births, and occasionally congregated to remember loved ones we've lost. Our motto has always been that food is important. To create 'a clean, well-lighted place' in which food can be shared and enjoyed has always been our goal. The memories and stories created here would fill a novel, and we'll literally be leaving some blood, sweat and tears behind. Home is where the heart is indeed.

However, a particular set of circumstances has aligned to allow us a corresponding opportunity that we couldn't quite pass up. A bigger place, yes. But also a place that we've been able to design ourselves--more or less from the ground up.  To add to our list of aforementioned goals, we've always aimed to continue to do things better--more efficiently, more adequately, with a higher and higher sense of quality food and quality service. Without going into boring details, our new location will lend itself to just that. After five pretty awesome years, we're looking to get even more awesome, this time in a fresh space with fresh infrastructure and loads of charm, character and its own interesting history to boot. History is a process. Evolution is unavoidable.  

Some FAQ's to help further elucidate or new endeavor:

Where? 72 Spanish St. A short two minute walk South and East of our current location. Originally built 1899-1904, it has had many a manifestation. Factoid: The building was moved at some point to its current location at the historical site of the Spanish Dragoon Barracks. 

When? The Floridian at 72 Spanish St. officially opened Thursday September 17th.  

Why? See above. A bit more space, a bit more efficiency. And oh yeah. Liquor too. 

La Floridita? Unfortunately, La Floridita is on sabbatical. In some time and place in the future it may indeed rise again. 

Outdoor seating? Yes. A nice street-side courtyard and a covered front porch. Southern Charm indeed. 

Private Parties? A resounding yes. While we won't have a private backyard patio, we will have designed our upstairs 'Florida Room' as the perfect place for banquet events and functions. Upstairs will have a second bar and seating for 30-60. 

Who? It's still us! Jeff and Genie McNally and their band of misfits. Some of whom helped us open the first location 5 years ago and will be wielding paint-brushes and moving furniture once again. 

Any further questions can be sent to info@thefloridianstaug.com. We'll be happy to answer them.