After recently announcing plans to open a new location, the owners of Mambos Cuban Cafe are redeveloping the original site at 13770 Beach Boulevard, No. 9, to become Bellini Modern Italian.
Owner Raul Arias Jr. recently announced plans to open Mambos Cuban Kitchen in the former home of Denny’s next spring. The company is now planning to take the existing Mambos Cuban Cafe and turn it into a new Italian concept “with a modern upscale twist to it,” according to Jacksonville Daily Record. Arias plans to put in an estimated $400,000 in upgrades for cosmetic changes and the addition of a full bar. Bellini Modern Italian is expected to open in May or June 2024.
Unlike Mambos Cuban Cafe, which only sells beer, wine, and sangria, Bellini Modern Italian will have a liquor license to expand its alcoholic offerings. When the new Italian restaurant opens sometime next year, customers can expect wine, cocktails, homemade meatballs, flatbread, charcuterie, and smaller plates. There will be an estimated 160 seats within the restaurant, open from 11 a.m. daily to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.
“My family and I loved the Jacksonville area so much that we knew that it was the place we wanted to call home for our family and for Mambos Cuban Café,” Arias tells JDR. “Our café is family owned and operated, and we take great pride in the culinary delights that our chefs prepare on a daily basis. We want our customers to feel as if they are right in the heart of Cuba every time they walk through the doors.”
Arias, who recently turned 40 and serves as a District 11 City Council member, has big plans for next year. On top of opening this new Italian concept and Mambos Cuban Kitchen, the owner is also planning to launch a franchise program for Mambos Cuban Express. The first location is expected to be sold to a previous manager, but there may be more franchises after seeing how the first one turns out. The Mambos Cuban Express franchises will be up to 2,200 square feet maximum.
