EXCLUSIVE — Hawkers, the Mills 50 restaurant that features Asian style “street food,” is expanding to Jacksonville. The second location for the brand will be in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood at 1001 Park St. in Five Points. The owners are aiming for an October opening.

Hawkers, named for the vendors who call out their offerings on the streets of many Asian cities, attained popular acclaim for its tapas-like servings that are conducive to sharing. Along with the pan-Asian dishes, Hawkers offers a craft beer selection of over 100 microbrews.

Kaleb Harrell, one of the partners in the restaurant, says that the menu will be revamped for both locations, but will remain basically the same. The beer list at each location will offer local brews unique to the city.

Harrell said there are early-stage plans for a third location, which the owners hope will be Tampa. “What we want to do is stick to the hip, eclectic districts,” he said. “We just love the Mills 50 vibe.” 

The Jacksonville restaurant will take over a space previously occupied by an Asian restaurant that will undergo a complete renovation. Harrell said the new restaurant will emphasize an open air, indoor/outdoor feel. 

Hawkers, at 1103 N. Mills Ave, Orlando, opened in 2011.

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