Five Points businesses welcome growth as Fat Tuesday plans new location in former Rain Dogs space

Business owners and residents say they welcome the added foot traffic, but they also say preserving Five Points’ unique character and culture is important as well.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Five Points continues to evolve as new businesses move into the historic neighborhood, replacing some longtime local staples while drawing more visitors to one of Jacksonville’s busiest entertainment districts.

The latest addition is Fat Tuesday, a New Orleans-inspired frozen daiquiri chain that announced Thursday it plans to open a location at 1045 Park St. in the former Rain Dogs building. The longtime local bar and music venue closed more than a year ago.

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The announcement comes as several new businesses have opened in Five Points over the past year, including a Ben & Jerry’s shop and the FIVE concert venue, while other locally owned businesses have closed.

Cheryl Croft, owner of Edge City and incoming president of the Five Points Association, said filling vacant storefronts benefits everyone in the district.

“We think that having all neighbors is good. Having all storefronts open are good, and every storefront brings more foot traffic to the Five Points area, which will help all of us,” Croft said.

The Five Points Association represents merchants, property owners and residents who have an interest in the neighborhood.

Croft said she believes Five Points has developed a unique identity by balancing its daytime shopping and dining scene with its nightlife.

“We’ll welcome them to the neighborhood, and as long as they want to work with us to make improvements in Five Points, they’ll become our neighbors,” she said.

Just down the street, Rodrigo’s Kraft Pizza has witnessed the area’s transformation firsthand.

Owner Alexander Rodriguez said while it’s difficult to see longtime businesses close, new businesses create opportunities to bring new customers into the neighborhood.

“When an old business closes, we lose friends, but then what happens is that opens an opportunity for another new place to come,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said he has seen positive changes in the district but believes continued investment is needed.

“We need to continue improving, not only with beautification, but with security, more patrolling,” he said.

Residents and visitors say they enjoy the variety Five Points offers but hope growth doesn’t come at the expense of the neighborhood’s character.

“There’s always something different, little thing for everybody,” Jacksonville resident Lani Lomax said.

Richard Anderson said she welcomes new businesses but hopes growth remains manageable.

“I just don’t want it to be super overly populated to the point where we have more issues around the area,” Anderson said.

Fat Tuesday has not announced an opening date for its Five Points location. The company’s website lists the Jacksonville store as “coming soon.”