Papa’s Kitchen + Cocktails has quietly slipped into San Marco with a simple pitch: pizza, cocktails and a small stage that gets loud once the amps go on. The new Italian‑American spot comes from owner Bob Carter, a former finance professional and frontman of local group North of 40, who soft‑opened the restaurant on May 7 and plans an official opening for Thursday, June 4. The nearly 4,500‑square‑foot dining room, which replaces several previous restaurants on the block, seats about 120 guests.
Pizza-Focused Menu And Cocktails
The menu sticks to Italian‑American comfort, with pizza taking center stage. A 14‑inch dinner cheese runs $14.99, while a 10‑inch lunch cheese is set at $10.99. Heavier options include a short‑rib lasagna for $20.99 and a meatball hoagie for $14.99. Carter is also rolling out a craft‑cocktail lineup, including a blood orange negroni, Velvet Express martini, cucumber blossom and raspberry margarita, priced around $12. The room features an oval bar that seats 25 and a private dining area for up to 20, as reported by Jax Daily Record.
Business Records And Hiring
Carter said he is starting with about six employees, including himself, and hopes to grow the team to roughly 20. Local job listings show openings for line cooks and servers on Indeed. The business is registered in Florida as Papa’s Kitchen + Cocktails LLC at 1402 San Marco Blvd., according to the Florida Division of Corporations, and commercial property listings put the space between about 4,462 and 4,755 square feet on LoopNet. Hiring remains a challenge for local restaurateurs as Carter finishes pre‑opening work and staff training.
Hours, Live Music And What To Expect
Papa’s Kitchen + Cocktails opens at 4 p.m. daily and is closed on Mondays, with lunch service scheduled to begin June 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. North of 40 has already taken the stage during the soft‑open, and Carter plans to blend live music, televised sports and regular dining service as the business settles into the neighborhood. For additional reporting on the opening and menu, see Jax Daily Record.
