Cafecito is taking its coffee beyond Riverside, with the Jacksonville cafe set to become part of the revived Bellwether in Downtown Jacksonville.
The coffee shop will join Pearl Hospitality Group’s plans for the restaurant at 117 W. Forsyth Street, where Cafecito will handle the breakfast and coffee side of the concept according to the Jacksonville Daily Record. The expansion was announced September 14 as part of the hospitality group’s plans to bring Bellwether back to life.
Cafecito opened its Riverside cafe at 2695 Post Street in May. The business serves espresso and matcha drinks alongside other specialty beverages in a space designed as a neighborhood gathering place.
At Bellwether, Cafecito is expected to offer breakfast sandwiches, pastries and selections from its existing menu, giving the downtown restaurant a dedicated morning component.
The revived Bellwether will offer more than its returning restaurant concept. Plans also include an expanded bar program and Temaki Room, a Japanese handroll and omakase concept.
The Downtown Investment Authority approved a $198,863 forgivable loan in August to support the Bellwether build-out. The overall project is estimated at $571,076.
For Cafecito, the partnership marks an expansion into Downtown Jacksonville just months after opening its Riverside cafe.
An opening date has not yet been announced.
