Salt + Petal

11/18/2025

Every dream has a beginning.

Ours has had beginnings, detours, heartbreak, and more hope than we knew we had.
We finally put the whole story into words — the season that shaped Salt + Petal, and the one we’re stepping into next.

If you have a minute, we’d love for you to read it.

There’s no perfect way to tell this story.

10/03/2025

What was originally planned to be Salt + Petal’s first home is officially on the market. This beautiful building holds so much history, and while we poured our hearts into envisioning it, sometimes opportunities come along that change the path forward.

This isn’t the end of Salt + Petal—it’s just a shift toward something even better for our future and for Jacksonville. We still carry the same dream: to create a space that blends flowers, food, and community in a way that feels unforgettable. 🌸☕️

We are beyond thankful for all the support we’ve received, and we’re excited for whoever steps into this building to give it its next chapter. As for us—we’re not going anywhere. Stay tuned, because the best is still to come.

09/29/2025

Big news, friends:

we’ve decided to sell the building where Salt + Petal was originally planned. Opportunities have come up that we simply can’t ignore; the kind of opportunities that, while different from our initial plan, will let us build something even stronger for the future of Salt + Petal and ourselves.

This isn’t a goodbye, we’re not giving up; in fact, it’s the opposite. We’re pivoting because we believe in Salt + Petal and in Jacksonville. When the right doors open, we have to be brave enough to walk through them, even if it means changing course.

Over these many months, we’ve met so many amazing people in Jacksonville, and we’re more excited than ever to be a part of the buzz downtown. Salt + Petal is still coming to life and we thank you for believing in us and for sharing this journey…the best is still ahead.

— Ross & Nathan

06/09/2025

We don’t have a major update today—just a cute picture of Nathan and a whole lot of hope.

The construction out front has finally quieted down a bit, so we got the yard mowed and Nathan tackled the upstairs window that’s been haunting us since day one (proof in the photo 🙃).

Still holding on to hope and still believing this old building has some magic left in it for Jacksonville!

05/22/2025

It’s been a minute since we’ve posted, but we wanted to check in.

Salt + Petal is still very much on our hearts and minds. We’re hoping to have some news soon—good or bad—but either way, we know it’s time to move forward. We’re two who care deeply about what we’re building: the quality of service, the experience, the space, the community. And we refuse to settle for anything less than what Salt + Petal deserves.

As we navigate the ups and downs of this economy and the uncertainty in the world around us, we ask for your good thoughts, your prayers, and your energy. We’re still fighting for this dream, and we’re hopeful we’ll be back soon with good news to share.

Thanks for sticking with us.
—Ross + Nathan

04/02/2025

We want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who reached out yesterday after we shared about our recent setback. Your support means the world — truly.

Salt + Petal lives in our hearts, and we’re still trucking along, giving everything we’ve got to bring this dream to life. It hasn’t been easy, but we’re not giving up.

We’ve officially published our Investor Proposal, which outlines what we’re looking for in a partner to help us build something truly special. If you or someone you know might be interested, here’s the link to check it out:
https://linktr.ee/SaltandPetal

Thank you again for believing in us. We’re not done yet — not even close.

04/01/2025

Another bump in the road—but we’re not stopping yet.

We got another denial today. And while it’s not easy to hear, we get it. The economy is uncertain, and big undertakings can feel risky right now. But Salt + Petal is more than a project to us—it’s a vision we believe in deeply.

We’re taking on something big: restoring a historic building, creating commercial space, building a kitchen, and crafting something truly special. It’s not simple, and it’s not fast—but we’re committed. We’re moving forward, step by step, to bring this to life.

Small business is in our hearts, and we believe in the community this space will foster. We’re here for the long haul, and we’ll keep pushing to make Salt + Petal a thriving, sustainable part of the future.

If you’re interested in being part of this journey as an investor, or have any questions, DM us or email us at [email protected]

Thank you for believing in us. 🌷🍽️

— Nathan & Ross

03/18/2025

A Plate Full of History & Heart 🌿

Salt + Petal is more than just a business—it’s a dream we’ve been building piece by piece, collecting memories and meaning along the way. This plate from Nathan’s Grandma Connie is just one of the special touches that will fill our space with warmth, nostalgia, and a story worth sharing.

For the past few years, we’ve gathered unique pieces, poured our hearts into this project, and worked tirelessly to bring something special to Jacksonville. We are so ready to open our doors and share it all with you!

If you want to learn more about our journey, DM us—we’d love to chat. Until then, we’ll keep working hard to bring Salt + Petal to life!

02/23/2025

“Where good food, fresh flowers, and warm welcomes will come together—because community blooms best when everyone has a seat at the table.”

Ross here,

Growing up, Sundays were sacred—not just for church but for what came after. Every week, without fail, my family and church friends would go out to lunch. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about sitting together, catching up, and sharing moments that made us feel connected. It was a time for fellowship, laughter, and belonging.

That tradition stuck with me, and now, at Salt + Petal, I want to bring that same feeling to our Sunday brunch. A place where everyone is welcome, where good food and warm company create something special. Whether you’re continuing a tradition of your own or starting a new one, we’d love for you to pull up a chair and be part of our Sunday story.

We’re saving a seat for you.

02/19/2025

🌿 Salt + Petal Update! ☕

We know it’s been a minute since our last update, but trust us—we’ve been busy behind the scenes! Ross has been knee-deep in Valentine’s Day flowers 💐 (because love waits for no one), and Nathan is always making magic happen in the kitchen. 🔥

Over the past month, we’ve had several important meetings, making that final push to secure the funding we need. With every conversation and new connection, our excitement for Salt + Petal only grows. This vision is becoming more real every day, and we know you’re just as ready as we are!

Stay tuned as we keep moving forward—we appreciate your support more than you know! 💕

02/02/2025

"I started working in kitchens when I was 14; a dishwasher at the Irish Toad in Jacksonville, Illinois. By 15, I was helping my father on the line at this restaurant. By 16, I was doing it myself and also running the pizza line. I've been raised on the line. And I love it. I've loved every second of it... We complain about the hardships of the service and how hard it was and how long it was and how exhausting it was...but...WE LOVE IT. We eat it up. There is no better feeling than after a 5-hour service and the mental accomplishment of ‘YES WE DID THAT!’"

These words from Nathan in 2021 still hold true today. He’s built kitchens, teams, and menus that people line up for—proof that hard work, passion, and a little kitchen madness can lead to something incredible.

Now, Nathan is ready to bring that same passion, energy, and drive back to Jacksonville, Illinois. Salt + Petal will be the place to be—where incredible food, fresh flowers, and an unforgettable experience come together.

Thank you for your support as we work our hardest to get this project off the ground. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in!

01/29/2025

✨ WOW! We are overwhelmed with gratitude! ✨

Thanks to YOUR support, Salt + Petal’s Facebook views have skyrocketed by 134.6K views in just 29 days! 🌸🥞 From interactions to follows, every click and share brings us one step closer to making this dream a reality.

We’re still working hard to make the final connections to get Salt + Petal officially off the ground. Your support, shares, and help in networking are what keep us moving forward. If you believe in the vision of a space to gather, create, and enjoy—please keep sharing!

Let’s grow this dream together. 🌿

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. ❤️