From Seafood to Saving Pets: Incredible $1 Million Transformation of Old Restaurant into 24/7 Animal Hospital!
A former restaurant in the bustling St. Johns Town Center is getting an extraordinary makeover. The Veterinary Emergency Group is pouring nearly $1.05 million into transforming a closed eatery into a state-of-the-art, round-the-clock emergency animal hospital.
On December 5, the city greenlit the project for the New York-based veterinary group to overhaul the 4,700-square-foot space at 4507 Town Center Parkway. This spot, which once dished out 145°F Seafood Boil and even housed an Applebee’s, is set to become a haven for pets in need. The building itself spans 5,444 square feet, offering ample space for this ambitious venture.
The construction reins have been handed to Embree Construction Group Inc. from Texas, with Ohio's Abbot Studios leading the architectural design. This innovative project is taking shape in St. John’s Town Center North, home to popular anchors like Publix and Total Wine & More.
Interestingly, the property saw its last commercial breath as 145°F Seafood Boil, first opened in Clermont, but has since been vacant. Tracing back its history, the former Applebee’s building was erected in 2007, shutting its doors in 2019.
The shopping center, owned by Core Investment Management through Core SJ Owner LLC of Miami, was purchased for a whopping $44 million in June 2021. The previous owner was American Realty Advisors Inc., based in California.
Veterinary Emergency Group, founded in 2014 in Valhalla, New York, has been rapidly expanding. With 72 locations either operational or in the works across 21 states and the District of Columbia, they’re a growing name in pet care. Florida itself boasts six of these locations.
Promising 24/7 emergency care for all pets, including birds and exotic animals, Veterinary Emergency Group is known for its hands-on, transparent approach. As stated on their website, they're equipped for everything from accident treatments to complex surgeries, encouraging pet owners to be part of their pet's recovery journey.
Behind this thriving veterinary enterprise are the visionaries, Veterinarian David Bessler, CEO, and David Glattstein, President, who co-founded Veterinary Emergency Group with a mission to provide exceptional pet care.
