JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Major changes could be coming to Angie’s Subs in Jacksonville Beach as its owner sets his sights on adding a distillery and a barbecue joint.
Owner Ed Malin wants to raze the iconic Beach Boulevard building to make room for a three-story structure to house the distillery, barbecue restaurant and sandwich shop. Malin unveiled his plans Monday night to the Jacksonville Beach planning commission.
For many who live in the Jacksonville Beach community, Angie’s Subs is a popular staple. With its humor-filled signs and eclectic feel, it promises more than a quick bite.
“Angie’s Subs is known for its quirkiness, its beach attitude, its fantastic Peruvian sub and the best sweet tea in the south,” Malin said.
Rezoning is needed before the additions are made. On Monday night, the planning commission approved the zoning change to commercial. City Council must make a final decision.
If all goes according to plan, Malin said the project would be broken down into two phases. Phase one would be the distillery, which would go almost directly at the Beach Boulevard and Penman Road intersection. Malin said that phase could be at least two years away. The barbecue restaurant is the second phase of the project, which would be three to four years out.
Malin showed News4Jax his vision for the layout.
“There would be a courtyard space between the distillery and the barbecue restaurant, which we’re going to nestle into those old oak trees in the back,” Malin said. “And then the kitchen would stick out in the back.”
Malin said figuring out parking will be a challenge, because he currently does not have access to any off-street or public parking. He will need to figure out a way to contain all customers to the 1.5-acre space.
“I’d hate to tear down my baby. This is really, I love this place. And it’s been a fantastic business,” Malin said. “I’m going to do everything I can to ensure that it stays that way for quite a while.”
Malin said he understands there will be naysayers about the project.
“These days, there’s always someone who is always opposed to growth," Malin said. "Always opposed to one more care on the street. This is a commercial piece of property. I bought it for future development and for my future incomes.”