Behind the Build: SoNapa Daytona Shores

At SoNapa, we've always believed in expanding thoughtfully. Not fast—smart. And before even considering a new location, we knew one thing had to be true: our foundation had to be solid.  That meant ensuring our three existing restaurants were fully staffed, operating efficiently, and performing the way they were designed to. Only then did it make sense to look ahead.

So we started exploring.

From Jupiter up to Bartram Park in Jacksonville. West toward Windermere and Ocoee. We looked at countless opportunities—some promising, others less so.

One of the more serious considerations was a new development in the Windermere/Ocoee area. A soon-to-be-built shopping center that checked many of the boxes. But like many ground-up projects, timing became uncertain. Delays, rising costs, and impact fees slowed progress and made it difficult to move forward with confidence.  Then came St. Augustine.

The former Black Fly location had potential on paper—but in reality, it was a different story. What we found was a space that would require far more than a thoughtful renovation. It simply wasn't the right fit.

And then, unexpectedly, a new location.

I was approached by the City Manager and Economic Development Director of Daytona Beach Shores—an introduction that came in part from my time serving as Mayor of New Smyrna Beach. They shared a vision for what was happening in the Shores: significant investment, long-term growth, and a commitment to elevating the area.

One project in particular stood out—a $400 million Aston Martin condominium development by Valor Properties, set to reshape the landscape of the coastline.

And then they mentioned a location.

A former Red Lobster, directly on A1A. Across from the beach. Ample parking. Nearly 40 years of operating history.  Later that same morning, I met with local real estate expert Kevin Purucker—and co-owner of The Cracked Egg in Daytona Beach Shores—to tour the space.  What we found was simple: good bones, but a space that had seen its time. It was tired. It needed vision. It needed a complete transformation.

But it had something you can't build from scratch—position, presence, and potential. Without hesitation, Kevin arranged a meeting with the landlord that same day.

By 5:00 PM, Adam, Kevin, his wife, and the landlord were sitting together at SoNapa in Ormond Beach—the very model of what this new location could become. 

Within a week, the lease was signed.

From there, momentum took over.

Adam reconnected with Ray Schaffer of Gravity Architecture and Design—the creative force behind both Ormond Beach and Jacksonville Beach. To ensure local expertise and efficiency, BDF Design was brought in as the architect of record, alongside an MEP engineering team to move plans toward permitting.

LBC Construction the general contractor—a notable shift from previous builds, where Chris and I took on that role ourselves, especially handling demolition.

This time, the process is different. More streamlined. More strategic.

LBC quickly mobilized Creative Environmental Services, and within just three weeks, the space has been completely demolished—cleared down to its core and ready to be rebuilt with intention.

Now, the vision is becoming tangible.

Gravity, BDF, and the engineering teams are actively collaborating on final plans, with a goal of submitting for permits within the next four weeks. From there, the target is a 90-day buildout.

From a conversation…
To a walkthrough…
To a signed lease…
To a fully cleared space—

All in a matter of weeks.

Some opportunities take time.

Others feel like they find you at exactly the right moment.

Daytona Beach Shores is the latter.

And this is only the beginning.

Demo video