City Grille & Raw Bar preparing for spring opening on Downtown Southbank

Longtime Jacksonville residents may drive by what will be City Grille & Raw Bar at the former Wine Cellar restaurant at 1314 Prudential Drive and not recognize the place. 

For one change, the building’s brown brick has been painted white to distinguish it from its predecessor identity.

The Wine Cellar was a staple in the Jacksonville dining scene for 47 years until it closed in October 2021.

Ronald Rettner bought the property on the Downtown Southbank for $1.04 million and is leasing it to restaurateurs and spouses John Nagy and Karen Belloit Thomas.

Nagy and Belloit Thomas operate the 11 South and 3 Palms Grille restaurants at the Beaches. Nagy said he expects to open City Grille & Raw Bar in March or April.