Check out the brand new signage over at Kickbacks Gastropub on King Street. The work was done by our very own Jacksonville Confidential staff member Joe(y), Graphic Designer and Owner of Compound Graphics. Looks GREAT!!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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3 comments:
While I agree that the new signage is great...as well as the awnings and blinds, overall Kickbacks has gone downhill as far as I'm concerned. The crowd has become even more drunk and druggie than before. A lot of the folks there don't even look like they could afford a cold beer unless it came from the bargin bin at Norman's next door. And what about the reemergence of the "crack" house next door? There are so many sketchy characters hanging out in front of the house and Kickbacks that many of the neighborhood folks are more than a little nervous to stop in anymore. Has anyone else noticed this?
Anonymous, while I agree with your opinion that "sketchy" characters like to hang out at Kickbacks more than in the past, I respectfully disagree with your opinion that the place has gone "downhill". In fact, I would argue that no restaurant in recent memory has gone "uphill" more than Kickbacks has. In contrast to the hundreds of people that have complimented me on the work I have done so far, this is actually the first negative comment I have heard in a long time, but I will let it serve as an uneeded reminder that my work here is not done and I admittedly have a long way to go in order to make this the best place to hang out in Jacksonville for "neighborhood" people and beyond.
Regarding the "sketchy" characters...some ARE sketchy...some just SEEM sketchy. One of my jobs is to figure out who is legitimate and who isn't. In Riverside, it can be quite a challenge and that's why I'm at the restaurant 10-16 hours a day, everyday. I don't judge these books by their covers, I get to know most everyone that comes in the door and those that don't belong, are asked to leave, sometimes over and over again. I run off the bums and leaches and dirtbags everynight but some slip through the cracks. Here in Riverside, some of the "sketchiest" people you may ever see, are actually amazing people, with money to spend on food and drinks and plenty of intellect and personality to share with everyone.
My staff is entirely aware of the problem you reference and all we can do is be continuously vigilant in choosing who is welcome in and around our establishment and who isn't.
Sincerely, Steve Flores, owner of Kickbacks Gastropub.
Steve,
I'm completely impressed with your reply. I apologize if it seemed I was dismissing your establishment. I started going to Kickbacks as soon as it opened because it was within walking distance to my house. I always had a great time and have always thought it was a great addition to the neighborhood. The food and service were always great. You always see your friends there, plus always seem to make a few more friends. It's probably the most friendly place I've been to in Riverside. What I've noticed is a general decline in this part of the neighborhood. This is certainly not your fault and it sounds like you are doing everything you can to make things better. Also, please don't take my comments as a slight to any of the residents of Riverside. I too am a resident and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I embrace the diversity of the neighborhood. That's what makes me love where I live.
Keep up the great work. We need more committed business owners like you in the neighborhood!
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