The Floridian, St. Augustine's longtime farm-to-table favorite, is gearing up for an early June comeback after nearly a year away from the daily dinner rush. Owners Jeff and chef Genie McNally say their new, custom-built spot on Anastasia Island will boost seating, add on-site parking and finally give the kitchen the elbow room it never had downtown.
As reported by the Jacksonville Business Journal, the restaurant is targeting an early June opening at 485 Old Beach Road in St. Augustine Beach. The Floridian likewise lists a "beginning of June" opening window while final work wraps up on the new Anastasia Island home.
Custom Building Aims To Fix Downtown Growing Pains
The new venue is designed to seat about 120 guests, with a wraparound porch, a side-patio bar and, crucially, on-site parking. The layout is intended to ease the cramped kitchen and tight street parking that dogged the old downtown space. It also includes a purpose-built kitchen and energy-efficient systems, according to the Jax Daily Record.
"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," Genie McNally said in a statement, the Jax Daily Record reports. The owners closed the Spanish Street location on July 28, 2025, and have spent the downtime launching smaller concepts and planning the new site.
Pop-Ups, Reservations And What To Expect
While the main dining room has been dark, the McNallys have kept the flavors in circulation through nearby offshoots, including Bea’s Fine Foods + All Day Café at 9 Anastasia Blvd and Jefe’s Fish Wagon. The Floridian lists both concepts and notes that reservations for the new location will be available on Resy.
Local coverage and tourism outlets say the move is expected to strengthen the beachside dining scene and add a fresh option for both longtime regulars and out-of-towners. The St. Johns Citizen described the project as a significant addition to the stretch of A1A on Anastasia Island, and city officials have publicly praised the planned expansion.
