Vevetas Rum Bar + Tapas, a new restaurant from Pink Salt’s owner, has received permits for new construction on a Lakewood site at 1571 University Blvd.
Previously, What Now Jacksonville reported on Richard Robinson opening this new restaurant in the San Marco area at 1418 San Marco Blvd. The company was expected to make its debut in Spring or Summer 2023. Now, Robinson has received permits for new construction in the former home of Gene’s Seafood Restaurant, which closed in 2017. It’s unclear if this will be the company’s second location or if this is a new location for the debut. Robinson could not be reached despite several attempts.
Whether it’s an expansion or a relocation of the first site, customers can expect an upscale-casual Caribbean restaurant serving everything from jerk pork, shrimp, and oxtail to various vegan options. The restaurant also has a special family recipe for a rum-based barbecue sauce. Vevetas Rum Bar + Tapas will also offer over 30 Jamaican rums. Robinson dedicated and named this restaurant after his mother, hoping to make its debut by Mother’s Day.
This will be Robinson’s second restaurant, following Pink Salt, located at 1430 San Marco Blvd. Here the Jamaica-born chef showcased his culinary background with his take on Caribbean fusion cuisine. Some signature entrees at this restaurant include braised rabbit, oxtail stew, jerk chicken, and curry goat. Robinson will surely bring his five principles of food preparation (integrity, passion, fresh ingredients, service, and customer satisfaction) to Vevetas Rum Bar + Tapas.
