A trendy Riverside cafe is expanding, joining prominent downtown restaurant Bellwether, which is being revitalized by new owners after the upscale-casual dining spot closed abruptly six months ago.
Cafecito plans to bring its energy and "LA Vibes" to Bellwether and its upcoming new-to-Jacksonville concept, the Temaki Room, at 117 W. Forsyth St.
The original Cafecito opened in April at 2695 Post St. in Riverside — uniting remote workers, coffee enthusiasts, book lovers, and locals all under one roof to enjoy a cup of freshly roasted specialty coffee, or, as its name suggests, a “cafecito.”
The cafe, which took over the former CoLab Cafe space, is also known for its espresso drinks, matcha, Filipino-inspired ube drinks, pastries and other baked goods,
as well as a growing selection of light bites.
Cafecito comes from Jacksonville-based Pearl Hospitality Group, which acquired Bellwether in July — just four months after the iconic restaurant founded by respected local chef and restaurateur Jonathan Insetta shut its doors after nine years.
![Artist rendering of Bellwether main room. The Pearl Hospitality Group is growing with ongoing projects that include Bellwether and the Temaki Room, Koto, and Norikawa.[Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2026/08/17/NFTU/91341488007-pearl-hospitality-group-008.JPG)
At Bellwether, Cafecito will serve as the primary breakfast and coffee option, Pearl said in a news release announcing the coffeehouse's expansion.
Featured offerings will include breakfast sandwiches, pastries and popular selections from Cafecito's established curated menu, "creating a new stop for morning coffee, a bite before work or a slower start to the day downtown."
Launched in 2025, Pearl Hospitality Group is a partnership of six entrepreneurs that owns outright or is in partnership with 12 area restaurants that range from fast-casual to upscale dining destinations.
Led by managing partners Raymond De Padua and Jeremiah Carolino, the hospitality group got a boost Aug. 27 when the Downtown Investment Authority voted unanimously to approve a $198,863 forgivable loan to Pearl to help offset the estimated $571,076 buildout cost.
The group said that together, Bellwether, Cafecito and Temaki Room "will offer different reasons to visit under one roof."
"Each concept will retain its own character, with Cafecito leading the morning experience and adding a freshdimension to the destination," Pearl said in the news release.
The expansion of Cafecito downtown, Pearl said, "marks the next chapter for a brand built around the simple pleasure of getting together over coffee and something delicious."
Pearl also said that "expanding Cafecito from Riverside into downtown is a natural next step: anopportunity to introduce the brand to more of Jacksonville while contributing to a downtown that feelsactive, welcoming and connected."
In addition, Cafecito "brings its own personality and a welcoming, everyday rhythm to the space, giving guests a reason to return throughout the week."
"It is an invitation to make the venue part of their daily routine, whether they work downtown, live nearby or are exploring the neighborhood," Pearl said in the news release.
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: Popular Riverside coffee shop coming to revived Bellwether downtown
