If you’re anything like me and LOVE barbeque you have no doubt been driving on 3rd Street in South Jax Beach watching and waiting for The Bearded Pig to open its new location at 1700 3rd Street South. Beach residents who know and love The Bearded Pig have been making the very well worth it trip to the San Marco location — but won’t need to for much longer! Right now a grand opening date has not been set in stone, however, co-owner Chad Munsey says mid-March is the target.
For those not yet familiar with The Bearded Pig, I asked Chad some questions to satisfy curiosity and get mouths watering for what The Bearded Pig has to offer and what they can expect when the doors open. I know I can’t wait!
Who are the owners of The Bearded Pig? Chad Munsey & Michael Schmidt
What inspired starting a restaurant? I had been a long time restauranteur (in the fine dining and wine realm) and Michael had a BBQ concept that he had done as a catering and small 25 seat brick & mortar in Boston. We have been friends for a long time and linked up to reinvent the concept here in Jax.
How many locations currently? Two – One in San Marco and our 2nd in Jax Beach is slated to open in mid-March.
When does the newest location celebrate it’s Grand Opening? Not a set date as of yet, around mid-March. Staffing has been a challenge.
What went into deciding on the new Jax Beach location? A few years into opening we knew we wanted to expand. Both of us being from Jacksonville, we knew a large segment of our demographic lived at the beach and didn’t visit San Marco as often as they would like. The South Jax Beach location gives us access to that demo without taking away from our current base. And besides who doesn’t love BBQ at the Beach? Match made in heaven!
Tell us about your upcoming location? How many will it seat? How many square feet? The new location is a bit larger than the original. Total square footage inside and out is roughly 7,000. When we eventually get back to full capacity seating (we take social distancing very serious) we will seat approximately 190, with about 90 being outside seating.
What’s the hottest selling item on the menu? Brisket is usually king with us, but honestly we sell a fair amount of all our
proteins. Burnt ends are very popular as is the Beef Rib.
Why “The Bearded Pig”? How did the name come about? Bearded Pig is actual breed of hogs, they are indigenous to warm tropical climates, and besides it’s just fun to say!
How would you describe The Bearded Pig? Its equal parts great food, great service, cool fun atmosphere. It’s like hanging out in a friend’s backyard. Super family friendly (and dogs as well).
What makes The Bearded Pig stand out above the rest? Our attention to detail, quality of all food products. I say I bring the fine dining mentality to casual dining.
Will beer and wine be served? Happy Hour specials? Beer & Wine in San Marco. Beer, Wine & Cocktails in Jax Beach. Every hour is happy at The Bearded Pig.
What are the hours? We have slightly reduced our hours since re-opening after the shutdown. Both locations will follow same hours. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-10pm, but we will probably extend the weekday hours back to 10pm eventually.
What is the physical address so people can find your new location? 1700 3rd Street South.
Will there be catering opportunities? Delivery? Take out? We absolutely offer full service catering, from lunches to weddings and everything in between. Take out is available by phone or online. Delivery is only for catering orders. We do not support 3rd party delivery services.
Will there be patio seating/outdoor seating? Plenty of outdoor seating both covered and uncovered.
How have things changed for your restaurant due to COVID? What precautions can patrons expect being taken to be COVID conscious? We have always been diligent about cleaning/sanitizing, so we have certainly continued that. We have spaced tables in the dining room and stools at the bar. In addition, once all seats are full we ask that guests wait to order until seats are available, we do not allow standing room in the dining room or bar. We ask that all guests wear a mask until seated and ALL staff wears masks both in the dining room and the kitchen. Just know that we take all precautions to ensure our guests are safe. We take health safety very serious.
What’s after Jax Beach? Any future locations? None as of yet. We are actually constructing a new building for our San Marco location (2 blocks away) and will be moving in May.
Anything else you would like us to know about The Bearded Pig? Just that we take our BBQ very serious, we strive everyday day to be the best, but if we aren’t just let us know so can correct it! Come enjoy our atmosphere and relax, eat some good food. #pigout #gopigorgohome
Jenn Heller is the Operations and Marketing Manager with The Volen Group, Keller Williams Luxury International, with over 17 years experience in Real Estate. She is a Jacksonville resident via Long Island, NY since 1991, a crafter, chalk painter and an avid fitness enthusiast.
