By: Alan Aptheker
Banana Stuffed French Toast will soon be available at three locations, maybe more, in Jacksonville. Oh goody.
Even before Metro Diner was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” we gladly stood outside, summer and winter (or what we call winter), waiting for a table at Metro Diner in San Marco. We were blessed with a second location in Mandarin, at 12807 San Jose Blvd., near The Fresh Market and Hurricane Grill & Wings. The new location, thankfully, has more space with its wraparound porch and outdoor seating for up to 32 more hungry customers.
Now, the inevitable next step is a third location at the Beaches, and ultimately, a huge leap to begin the Metro Diner franchise, giving birth to as many as six Metro Diners in the Jacksonville area.
Father and son co-owners John and Mark Davoli have said they’ll insist every one has the look, feel and taste of the original, which opened in 2000 at 3302 Hendricks Avenue.
As if it weren’t popular enough already, John Davoli said his business has increased more that 70% since the Food network episode aired on Sept. 20, 2010. The owners are sticking with the tried and true breakfast and lunch only format, no dinner.
So the six versions of Eggs Benedicts, Breakfast Pies and Banana Stuffed French Toast will be more available than ever. Our advice to you is somewhat like the warnings at the end of television liquor commercials: Please eat your Huevos Rancheros responsibly.
