An intimate European-inspired wine, artisanal cheese and charcuterie bar from a Michelin Guide-recognized Jacksonville restaurateur and his wife is preparing to open on the Southbank in historic San Marco.
The Huguenot will open at 3 p.m. Sept. 29 at 1039 Hendricks Ave. No. 5 in the former Reddi-Arts building complex.
Founded by co-owners Chad Munsey and Lauren Doran, the wine bar is the second restaurant to open in the four-building complex being revitalized and redeveloped into Hendricks Place.
The Huguenot will feature a sommelier-curated selection of wines by the glass and bottle, as well as artisan cheeses, cured meats, composed boards and shareable plates.
![Noted restaurateur Chad Munsey is planning a wine, cheese and charcuterie bar, called The Huguenot, at the former Reddi-Arts building on Jacksonville's Southbank. Aerials of the building Monday February 16, 2026 in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2026/02/16/NFTU/88705127007-jk-ientertainment-huguenotrestaurant-jacksonville-06.JPG)
The roughly 1,500-square-foot space is "designed to provide a relaxed and refined setting
where guests can gather over exceptional wine and small bites."
“The Huguenot was created around the simple idea that wine should bring people together,” Munsey said in a news release announcing the opening. “We wanted to create a place that feels sophisticated without being formal — a neighborhood wine bar where guests can discover something new, enjoy familiar favorites and feel genuinely welcome.”
In addition to its main lounge and patio, The Huguenot will offer a private space — Salon Privé — for intimate celebrations, business gatherings, wine dinners and special events.
The wine bar's name pays homage to the French Huguenots who arrived in Northeast Florida in the 16th century and are credited as the first Europeans to make wine in the New World.
Michelin-recognized founder
Munsey is co-founder and co-owner of nearby The Bearded Pig barbecue at 1808 Kings Ave., which recently earned a spot in the prestigious Michelin Guide along with seven other Northeast Florida restaurants.
He is also a former owner of The Grotto, which was one of Jacksonville’s first wine bars. A neighborhood mainstay, The Grotto, on historic San Marco Square, closed in 2016 after 15 years.
“We hope The Huguenot becomes a place people return to often — whether they are stopping in for a glass of wine, meeting friends over a board or celebrating an important occasion. We’re excited to become part of the San Marco community,” Munsey said in the news release.
The Huguenot joins new restaurant in Reddi-Arts revitalization
The Huguenot neighbors Tavola San Marco, which opened Aug. 3.
The family-owned Italian restaurant focuses on fresh-from-scratch Italian cuisine and features steaks, seafood, and other fare. It's also known for its extensive weekend brunch, served family-style.
Reddi-Arts had been a Southbank institution for 67 years before relocating to Springfield and re-opening under new ownership in 2021.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Michelin-recognized restaurateur sets opening for Southbank wine bar
