A longtime Jacksonville sandwich shop is preparing to reopen under new ownership, bringing a familiar name back to the downtown dining scene.
Desert Rider Sandwich Shop, located at 217 N. Hogan Street, has been taken over by Peter and Allison Behringer, the founders of Sweet Pete’s Candy, along with Kennedy Effie through Desert Rider Jax LLC according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.
The new owners recently announced on Desert Rider’s Facebook page that the shop is getting ready to reopen, describing the business as a Jacksonville tradition dating back to 1969.
The team says it plans to preserve the familiar recipes and local character that have made Desert Rider a longtime favorite, including the well-known Jacksonville Desert Rider Special.
The restaurant is currently closed while work is completed ahead of the reopening. According to the business website, Desert Rider is currently listed as ‘coming soon’. The new owners are also encouraging customers to follow the restaurant’s new social media page for behind-the-scenes updates, reopening details, menu favorites, and other announcements.
According to the news publication, Desert Rider Jax LLC was registered with the Florida Division of Corporations on September 9 at the Hogan Street address. The city also began reviewing a Certificate of Use for the restaurant following the change in ownership.
Desert Rider has been part of Jacksonville’s downtown food scene since 1969, when longtime owner Larry Hazouri opened the original location. A second location followed on Bay Street in 1971 before eventually closing, leaving the Hogan Street restaurant as the remaining Desert Rider location.
Over the years, the sandwich shop became known for its signature sandwiches, including the Jacksonville Desert Rider Special.
The new ownership also brings Desert Rider into the orbit of another recognizable downtown Jacksonville business. Sweet Pete’s Candy is located just a few blocks from the sandwich shop.
A specific reopening date has not yet been announced, but the new owners say additional details will be shared through Desert Rider’s social media channels as work continues.
