A Japanese listening lounge, will bring cool Izakaya vibes to Jacksonville.
Koto was just issued a $400,000 building permit to convert the first and second floors of the former site of 927 Events (927 W. Forsyth Street) into Koto, according to the Downtown Investment Authority Jacksonville (DIA) which notes the permit, granted to JVI Construction Group LLC, “covers the conversion of use for the approximately 10,460-square-foot space”. According to an Instagram post by @kotojax, expect a winter 2026 opening for the total project.
The two-story Koto will consist of two distinct spaces: the first floor will transform into a Japanese izakaya. These traditional pubs generally offer small plates, beer, and other beverage options. The second floor will be a listening room, where guests can listen to vinyl records. The two spaces work together, with guests being able to bring their food from the izakaya to the listening room.
Jacksonville-based Pearl Hospitality Group is behind Koto. Pearl is a group of local restaurateurs (Raymond De Pauda, Jeremiah Carolino, Francis Varias, John Panghulan, Nathan Ferrer and Justin Raulerson) that are planning new an innovative concepts that are elevating Jacksonville’s dining and entertainment scene. Pearl Hospitality also owns and operates Norikase and Soupa Noodle Bar.
In August, the DIA approved $156,000 in grant funding to Pearl Hospitality Group toward approximately $692,114 in build-out costs for the project.
