New restaurant opens in downtown Alachua

ZUBIN KAPADIA/ Alachua County Today

Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, City Manager Traci Cain and friends enjoy dinner at the bistro.

ALACHUA – A new restaurant is making its presence known in the city of Alachua. Jake’s Bistro brings a new eatery scene for the city and its citizens. The bistro will play host to a variety of foods, chefs and guests.

The restaurant opened their doors to the public on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The owner, David Kirk, and head chef, James Belle, held a soft opening on Jan. 13 and 14. The soft opening played host to guests like Mayor Gib Coerper and City Manager Traci Cain, and helped to train employees.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Alachua on Main Street, surrounded by other local businesses.

As of right now, the bistro will be open from Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. After Valentine’s Day, Kirk plans to hold Sunday brunches from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Starting in early March, Kirk says the store will change restaurant hours to start at 11a.m.

Belle said the bistro couples their restaurant style with seasonal menus likely to change four times a year. Every night, guests will see six or seven nightly features to choose from. Separate from the nightly features, the bistro will have five appetizers, two soups and three salads. Belle said he is inspired by cuisines from all over the world.

“Looking all over the community, I wanted to give them a chance to visit places they may never have a chance to go,” Belle said. “I can take them to France, Spain, Italy.”

Local guests said they had no complaints about the restaurant. Their wait time was around 10 or 15 minutes.

“The food is definitely worth the wait,” said Hasan Rasheed, a post-graduate University of Florida student. “Every aspect of the dish complements the other.”

Kirk, a resident of Alachua County, said they try to buy as much local produce and product as possible.

Kirk said he has been dreaming and looking to own a restaurant for the last three years. He said is extremely thankful for how supportive the city has been and how welcome the community has made him feel.

As Mayor Coerper left the restaurant, he gave Kirk a firm handshake.

“Great job, Mr. Kirk,” he said.

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