Entrepeneurs open local restaurants after graduation

Arlene Thompson and Joseph Tran both graduated from UNF and now own their own businesses which are located in the same shopping center, only minutes away from UNF.

Thompson opened the Mangrove Island Grille in May 2007 with her husband Greg. Though it was not always Thompson’s goal to be a restaurant owner, she decided to put her husband’s 18 years of culinary experience to use and opened the Grille.

While at UNF, she majored in communication.

Thompson’s advice for current UNF students is to “get the most out of your college experience by participating not only in classes, but check out everything the college has to offer,” she said.

However, Tran’s situation is different.

The Saigon Bistro owner said he always knew he wanted to own a restaurant since it has always been somewhat of a tradition in his family.

His family owns and operates Koi Japanese Steakhouse, and his aunt, who has more than 20 years of restaurant experience, is the head chef at Saigon Bistro.

Tran attended UNF to receive his master’s degree in mental health.

His advice for current UNF students is to “always plan ahead, study hard and do more than you are asked. This keeps you ahead of the game,” he said.

Mangrove Island Grille
Upon entering the Mangrove Island Grille, the aroma of fresh herbs and spices transports you to another place – the Florida Keys, which was the inspiration for the decor and unique menu.

With more than 40 menu items to choose from ranging from salads to desserts; everyone is sure to find something to please their palate at a reasonable price, as all menu items are less than $10.

Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include the Mangrove Grouper topped with tropical fruit salsa and the Little Havana sandwich, which is a classic Cuban sandwich with pork loin, honey ham, Swiss cheese, pickle and house sauce. All sandwiches include a choice of plantain chips, fresh fruit, black beans and rice, new world potatoes or Asian slaw.

You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with one of their refreshing mango smoothies or a delicious slice of key lime pie.

The Grille also donated 15 percent of its dinner sales to the National Down Syndrome Society’s Sixth Annual Buddy Walk, recently hosting the “DINING OUT for Down Syndrome.”

The Grille provides fresh and healthy alternatives to the fried and greasy norms UNF students might be used to, which is even better since the Thompsons extended their 15 percent discount to anyone with an UNF ID.

Saigon Bistro
Necessary priorities for a successful restaurant are exceptional customer service, high quality food and extreme cleanliness, Tran said.

Saigon Bistro certainly offers all of those things.

The menu at Saigon Bistro offers many Asian delights at very reasonable prices (ranging from $4-$13) including spring and summer roll appetizers, Saigon shaken beef, marinated grilled beef short ribs and lemongrass chicken curry. Unique and tasty desserts such as tempura ice cream, fried cheesecake and sticky rice are also available. It is easy to enjoy all the items Saigon Bistro has to offer in their relaxing, Asian-inspired atmosphere.

Jacksonville Magazine recently chose Saigon Bistro as a “neighborhood find” in its August issue because of its reasonable prices and friendly customer service.

Tran, always priding himself on customer satisfaction, is extending a 10 percent discount to all UNF students and faculty with UNF IDs.

Mangrove Island Grille and Saigon Bistro are both located less than 5 minutes from UNF in The Shoppes at East Pointe Landing at 3546 St. John’s Bluff Road.

E-mail Amy Gaston at features@unfspinnaker.com.