Electric Dough Pizza Co. files construction permits for historic cinema site
A Jacksonville hospitality company has submitted construction permits to open a pizza restaurant at the site of the San Marco Theatre, paving the way for a new dining option in the beloved historic cinema.
CuliVino Hospitality Management and Consulting said that the submission of permits by Urban Partners begins the countdown for the start of construction of Electric Dough Pizza Co. Expected to open in late 2024, the new restaurant will be the latest concept from Chef Tom Gray – the culinary force behind Prati Italia at St. Johns Town Center and Town Hall, located just across San Marco Square from the former San Marco Theatre.
“Electric Dough Pizza Co. has reached an exciting milestone with the submission of the project’s construction permits,” said Gray, who announced the concept and location earlier this year. “We are excited to bring our newest restaurant to this iconic San Marco location, and we look forward to seeing our concept come alive when we welcome locals and visitors later this year.”
The new restaurant will feature Gray’s rectangular artisan pizzas featuring a handmade, Roman-style, long-fermented dough with Detroit-style crispy edges. The name Electric Dough refers to the electric ovens imported from Italy in which the pizzas will be baked, producing a crunchy crust.
Along with pizza, Electric Dough Pizza Co. will offer seasonally inspired salads and a rotating selection of gelato and sorbets. Beverages will include a full cocktail bar, domestic and imported beer, wine, craft sodas and zero-proof offerings. Plans also call for Electric Dough Pizza Co. to feature a retail area, offering take-and-bake frozen pizzas, fresh pastas, from-scratch sauces, house made pimento cheese and other products.
Historic design
Gray has engaged Atlanta architecture and interior design firm ai3 to create the 4,200 square-foot restaurant within the framework of the 1938 art deco theatre, which was designed by Jacksonville architect Roy Benjamin. The building’s current owner, TSG Realty, has committed to maintaining the building’s historic façade.
