RETAIL & DINING OPPORTUNITIES

Presently, event greenspace on Jekyll Island is primarily limited to the beach and historic areas. The restructuring of the Jekyll Island golf courses presents an opportunity for a new event space which complements the current inventory. The addition of a garden retail center and restaurant on 5 acres would be a beneficial utilization of the available greenspace. The 2021 Master Plan Update highlighted the desire for diversified dining options by residents and visitors alike. The addition of a garden restaurant would offer a unique experience for those on Jekyll Island. The goal of this addition would be to integrate a restaurant into a greenhouse/plant nursery, to combine delicious food, conservation, retail, and education. This location would provide visitors with a new way to experience the beautiful nature that Jekyll offers.

Several key elements of this venue may include:

• Obvious connection with the conservation area via trails • An extensive healthy menu with sustainably sourced produce and meat from local family farms and purveyors • Outdoor seating and dining areas • Offering of horticulture classes for visitors to learn about native plants • Plants and custom floral arrangements available for purchase • The ability to host private events such as weddings and dinners • Floral workshops for building terrariums, succulent arrangements, and floral designs • Branded merchandise could include planters, garden utility items, and a variety of outdoor living products

STRATEGIC ACTIONS

• Further investigate probability of designating greenspace into active recreational use (such as pickleball or croquet courts). • Consult with the State Historic Preservation Office in advance of building modifications. • The downstairs restaurant space is currently leased. A decision would be required to offer the operator other options or to mutually cancel this lease.

• Issue RFP for Golf Lodge Development Proposals in May 2025. • Issue RFP for Senior Living Community Development Proposals in January of 2024. • Issue RFP for Garden Retail Center & Restaurant Development Proposals in April 2024.