A new restaurant focusing on Southern-inspired cuisine is moving into a landmark 101-year-old Ortega building, which has stood vacant since the closure of a beloved neighborhood dining spot.
Oxford Place expects to open this winter at 2902 Corinthian Ave. at Oxford Avenue in the historic Oxford and Corinthian building, according to a news release Oct. 20 announcing the project. It is taking over the space previously used by Simply Sara’s, which closed in July 2022 after 12 years.
The new restaurant’s co-owners, Hughes Brown and his son Jerry Brown, are both experienced restaurateurs and Ortega residents.
“This building has represented connection and community to this area for generations, and we want to honor that. “We’re not just opening a restaurant — we’re bringing new life to a building with deep roots,” Jerry Brown said in the news release.
Their goal, he noted, is “to create a warm, inviting place where guests can gather often.”
“We look forward to having Oxford Place fill that with approachable, everyday hospitality where neighbors and new friends can unwind over great food,” Jerry Brown said.
The Browns own and operate Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken, 1173 Edgewood Ave. S., in Murray Hill. The Nashville hot chicken-style restaurant is preparing to open a second location at 5635 San Jose Blvd. in the Lakewood Promenade retail center on the Southside.
They previously co-owned the fine-dining restaurant Watermark in Nashville, Tenn., for 15 years before the family moved to Jacksonville.
Historic building design and features
The unique building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
It was originally designed in 1923 by the Jacksonville architecture firm Marsh and Saxelby. Built in 1924, it stands out for features including tall windows, high ceilings, and “thoughtful craftsmanship,” the news release said.
The Browns are renovating the building into “a new 2,900 square-footage restaurant with 120 seats, combined indoors and outdoors, and a full‑service bar.” the news release said. The family’s company, Brown Family Restaurant Ortega LLC, bought the site for $925,000 on May 14, Duval County property records show. Renovations and repairs are estimated at $169,000, according to a June 23 city building permit.
On the menu at Oxford Place
The restaurant’s goal is “to be a go-to gathering spot for both casual cuisine and special occasions any night of the week,” the father and son said in the news release.
Rotating with the seasons, the proposed menu is “rooted in Southern-influence, with a focus on quality ingredients, recognizable favorites and thoughtful preparation.”
“The menu will emphasize fresh, regionally-sourced ingredients and Southern flavors, with signature cocktails and curated wines rounding out the drink menu and happy hour offerings available,” they said.
Signature offerings are expected to include New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, a grits soufflé with bacon beurre blanc, and blackened redfish served with Hoppin’ John. Also offered will be entrée salads, and a signature burger as well as entrées such as steak, chicken and seafood.
Oxford Place is also expected to offer brunch.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
If you’re a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest dining coverage.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: New Southern-inspired restaurant plans to open at historic Ortega building
Reporting by Teresa Stepzinski, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
