In Downtown Jacksonville, adjacent to Hemming Park and City Hall, stands the home of Sweet Pete’s Candy and The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails. The bright white building with the large porch and bright aqua eaves bustles with energy.
Property owner Marcus Lemonis’ ML Property LLC. bankrolled a multi-million dollar restoration of the former Seminole Club into a decadently whimsical location to showcase Sweet Pete’s Candy, owned by Pete and Allison Behringer, and partner Lemonis.
Sharing the building with Sweet Pete’s is The Candy Apple Café & 
Cocktails. Featuring French-inspired fare with Southern influences, a full bar with wine and craft cocktails and happy hour specials, and four private event spaces, The Candy Apple Café serves brunch and lunch seven days a week [see Hours at end], with prices ranging from $5 to $16. The café has earned a devoted following and reservations are strongly suggested.
At the heart of the bustling dining operation are mother and daughter duo Liz and Jennifer Earnest, of Chef’s Garden Catering & Events, and partners Ellen and Alan Cottrill, owners of River City Contractors and Millwork Design Studio. Executive Chef Jamey Evoniuk keeps the kitchen running smoothly and curates the seasonal menu.
Article written by Nancy White
Photos by laird
Get the recipe for Candy Apple Café’s Pistachio-crusted lamb chops with root vegetable hash, roasted cauliflower and pommery beurre rouge with Ruby Red Cocktail here
The Candy Apple Café & Cocktails
400 North Hogan Street
904-376-7161
thecandyapplecafe.com
Facebook.com/thecandyapplecafe
Twitter: @candyapplecafe
Instagram: @candyapplecafe
Cuisine: French with Southern Influences
Hours:
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tuesday–Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
