The Block Jax opens March 20 on Gate Parkway with eight vendors, a kids play area, private dog park and a 30-foot LED wall. Grand opening weekend runs March 20–22.

Sarbez! owner Ryan Kunsch is opening Alfred’s at 222 W. King St., a restaurant-and-venue pairing sourdough pizzas with live nights in West City this spring.

Dave’s Hot Chicken will open a second Jacksonville location at River City Marketplace on March 13, replacing a closed Pollo Tropical and adding a drive‑thru. The build‑out is part of a broader expansion backed by the brand’s private‑equity owners.

A city permit issued March 9 clears the way for a Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop at 1027 Park Street in Five Points, prompting mixed reactions from nearby businesses.

Spliff's Gastropub broke ground at The Reef on Mayport Road, joining a wave of new restaurants coming to Atlantic Beach. The buildout will add outdoor seating, a full bar and a large tap list.

Saucy! By KFC is converting two former PDQ sites in the Jacksonville area, with openings scheduled for March 23 and April 13 and a sauce-forward tenders menu.

A 2,000-sq-ft Dunkin' is proposed at the Publix-anchored center in SilverLeaf; St. Johns County will review plans on March 25.

Rise N Shine, a new Jacksonville food truck from veteran operator Misty, plans a March 23 launch serving breakfast, brunch and burgers. Locations are still being finalized.

A mid-September pre-application and family confirmation suggest Matanzas Innlet could be rebuilt on A1A after Hurricane Matthew closed it in 2017. County filings are still in early stages.

Chef Peter and Kristen Kenney opened Beach Bagels in the former Purple Olive spot on Anastasia Island, serving fresh bagels, house-made schmears and breakfast sandwiches. The daytime café runs Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

A goat‑friendly beer garden in Newtown Alley is pairing live music, wine strolls and Gainesville connections to draw people back into Palatka’s historic downtown.

Le Petit Paris' Le Petit Atelier opened Feb. 12 in Atlantic Beach — a 3,017‑sq‑ft small‑plates and wine concept that also serves as the group's commissary.

Orlando-born Jeff’s Bagel Run will open March 6 at 628 Atlantic Blvd. in Neptune Beach with giveaways, raffles and Jaguars appearances.