Categories: Business NewsNewsRestaurantRetail

New Restaurant Opens in Downtown Jacksonville

Interior of Lily's Asian-American Food showcasing the Anime Room and dining areas.

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News Summary

Lily’s Asian-American Food has officially opened in Downtown Jacksonville, featuring a unique blend of Japanese, Philippine, and American cuisines. Owned by Lily Grabb, the restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with distinct dining areas, including an Anime Room. The menu boasts delicious dishes inspired by family traditions, ensuring an inviting experience for food lovers. Lily’s venture, supported by seasoned restaurant manager Tim Noble, aims to cater to the city’s growing dining scene and provide memorable meals for guests.

Exciting New Flavors Arrive in Downtown Jacksonville

Downtown Jacksonville just got a bit more delicious! Food lovers can rejoice as Lily’s Asian-American Food has officially opened its doors, bringing a unique blend of Japanese, Philippine, and American cuisines to the heart of the city. This venture marks the creative brainchild of Lily Grabb, who previously owned Super Food & Brew before embarking on this culinary adventure.

A Family Journey and a Dream Realized

Lily Grabb’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Originally hailing from the Philippines, she spent significant time living in Japan before moving to the U.S. about seven years ago. Now residing in Middleburg, this busy mom of three—aged 14, 12, and 10—has bravely stepped into the world of food. Even though she had little restaurant experience, having only served at Kaika Teppanyaki Asian Fusion, Lily didn’t let that stop her.

In fact, she contemplated other business ventures before confidently deciding to open a restaurant. And her choice paid off! To navigate her new role, she enlisted the expertise of Tim Noble, a seasoned restaurant manager with an impressive background at legendary establishments such as Sake House, Hawkers, and P.F. Chang’s. Noble, who moved to Jacksonville to help establish the Hawkers restaurant, is enthusiastic about the city’s growth potential, making him the perfect ally for Lily.

A Cozy and Unique Dining Experience

Located at 11 E. Forsyth St., right next to the 11 East apartments, Lily’s Asian-American Food features three distinct dining areas, including a quirky Anime Room. This vibrant space, adorned with colorful Japanese cartoon characters, serves as an excellent meeting spot and transforms into a lively karaoke venue at night! A full liquor bar is conveniently located at the center of the restaurant, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

For those who prefer a cozier setting, the private dining area provides an intimate spot for family gatherings or special occasions. The inviting ambiance reflects Lily’s passion for creating a memorable dining experience for her guests.

Delicious Menu Inspired by Family Traditions

The menus at Lily’s Asian-American Food are a heartwarming tribute to her family’s culinary traditions, featuring beloved items inspired by her mother’s recipes. While Lily may not have learned to cook alongside her mother, she fully embraced her love for cooking when she became a mom herself. After long days, she would often head back home to whip up delightful meals for her family.

The menu showcases mouthwatering dishes at accessible price points. Enjoy a tasty appetizer, like lumpia or yucca fries, for just $4 to $8! For those looking for a hearty entrée, the prices top out at $21 with delicious options such as Miso Salmon, Chicken Adobo, and Oxtail Kare-kare. Don’t forget to check out the sandwich section for treats like the Mike’s Cow-Pig Burger and a turkey pesto sandwich, which will surely satisfy any craving.

Looking Forward

Lily has kicked off her dream restaurant with around 25 staff members, both full-time and part-time. And depending on how popular the late-night hours become, she may consider increasing the team further. The restaurant proudly opens its doors daily, starting at 11:30 a.m., and caters to a variety of dining preferences with flexible closing hours.

In addition to this exciting culinary addition, it’s worth noting that Starbucks is also making a comeback in Downtown Jacksonville. Opening a location in the Bank of America Tower at Bay and Laura streets, Starbucks will help enhance the pedestrian experience alongside local coffee favorites like Ground Level Coffee and Akel’s Delicatessen.

With these new developments, Downtown Jacksonville is undoubtedly on the rise, embracing a vibrant retail and dining scene for everyone to enjoy. So, where will you be heading for your next meal? It just might be Lily’s Asian-American Food!