The Floridian has been a constant on Northeast Florida’s list of must-try restaurants since it opened its doors in 2010. Owned by husband-and-wife team Genie and Jeff McNally, The Floridian has become a champion for local producers and growers, with Chef Genie crafting innovative Southern dishes that showcase the best farm-to-table ingredients available. As they approach 15 years of service, the McNally’s announced they are building a new restaurant space in St. Augustine Beach that truly encapsulates the atmosphere and vibe of The Floridian.
“Jeff and I have had a lot of time to dream about The Floridian’s future, and this really is the culmination of years of dreaming,” says co-owner and executive chef Genie McNally in a statement. “While we will always adore our previous two locations, we had to take our image of The Floridian and fit it into a pre-existing space. This is our chance to create a restaurant that fits The Floridian aesthetic and meets our high standards for service.”
Genie and Jeff McNally’s farm-to-table eatery first opened in a small space at 39 Cordova Street in downtown St. Augustine. Chef Genie drew culinary inspiration from her familial history, tracing seven generations and rooted in the region’s agricultural landscape. When they had the opportunity to relocate to a larger building on Spanish Street in 2015, they took it, eventually purchasing the location in 2022. The McNallys completely renovated the 1904 building on Spanish Street, turning it into a cozy and approachable space. As the restaurant continued to evolve, they started forming plans for their next step.
“We have such strong memories and connections with both the Cordova and Spanish Street locations,” says co-owner Jeff McNally. “They’re a piece of our history, places where we’ve shared meals and memories. This new building is just the next chapter, where we’ll continue to focus on what matters – fresh ingredients, good food, and top-notch hospitality.”
The McNallys have always had a solid vision for their restaurant and are passionate about executing it. Genie feels so strongly that she is working towards her degree in interior design and architecture from UCLA. Located at 485 Old Beach Road, the restaurant will occupy a new state-of-the-art building. The covered front porch leads into the dining area, boasting 120 comfortable seats and an elevated version of the restaurant’s down-home vibe. The side patio will cater to fast, casual dining and bar customers with games and entertainment. The custom-designed kitchen will be energy efficient and comfortable on even the hottest Florida days. The McNallys plan to complete service at the Spanish Street location on Monday, July 28, and celebrate a grand opening at the new space in late Fall/Winter 2025.
