First Gear Coffee is gearing up to put a different spin on the Jacksonville coffee run, pairing strong coffee with a distinctly outdoor-minded concept at its upcoming College Park location.
The new coffee shop is taking shape at 975 University Blvd. N., next door to Arlington Bait & Tackle, and will be operated by Dan Manjack, who owns the longtime fishing shop and is also president of Agile Contracting. The coffee shop is planned for about 1,778 square feet.
First Gear Coffee is built around the tagline ‘Outdoor Stuff & Strong Coffee’, giving the concept a natural connection to Manjack’s neighboring bait-and-tackle business. The two businesses are part of Manjack’s broader vision for the College Park corner, where he has been involved in the redevelopment of the shopping center and the revitalization of Arlington Bait & Tackle.
The coffee shop’s menu keeps things simple, with espresso drinks, pour-over drip coffee and loose-leaf tea. Food options include blueberry muffins and shortbread made fresh daily through a local bakery partner, along with organic egg protein bites.
The business also plans to offer pickup and delivery, while online ordering is in the works. Gift cards are available as well. The business has also been sharing updates on its progress through its Instagram page, giving followers a look at the build-out as the College Park location takes shape.
The location gives First Gear Coffee a built-in connection to one of College Park’s most recognizable local businesses. Manjack purchased Arlington Bait & Tackle after becoming involved in the shopping center’s renovation, and the fishing shop has since become part of his larger vision for the property.
The coffee shop is one of several businesses joining the revived College Park shopping center, the former Town & Country Shopping Center at University Boulevard North and the Arlington Expressway.
First Gear Coffee is expected to open in the coming months as Manjack completes contracting work and finalizes the outdoor space between the coffee shop and Arlington Bait & Tackle.
