For many, a hard-earned $36 million cash windfall would spur thoughts of fairways, fine wines and freedom.
But for Jacksonville-based restaurateur Scott Moore — who sold his biscuit company for that princely sum in 2019 — the triumph only revved his entrepreneurial engine.
“I don’t think we’re called to retire,” he told the Florida Times-Union. “I think God has plans for us. You get one life to live. So for me, this is a platform to be a part of people’s lives and to come alongside them.”
With a non-compete clause with his former enterprise having evaporated in November, Moore, 63, is set to hatch his newest breakfast and brunch concept in St. Augustine.
Cailco Cactus, A Modern Taco Shop, will begin braising the barbacoa on Jan. 14 at 833 S. Ponce De Leon Blvd #3 at the former site of a flatlined Tijuana Flats.
“Tacos, Queso, Coffee,” goes the restaurant’s tagline. “Name a better trio.”
Moore also plans to open a second Calico location in Alpharetta, Georgia.
A former vice president at Winn-Dixie, Moore and a partner opened their first Maple Street Biscuit Co. in Jacksonville in 2012 before selling the company to Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Inc. just seven years later.
The biscuit brand now has 69 locations in 10 states — including spots in St. Augustine and Alpharetta.
Moore told the Florida Times-Union that he had mixed feelings about clashing against the very brand he created for breakfast spot supremacy.
“It’s the heart of the toughest thing … But I think there is more than enough business out there for all of us,” Moore told the outlet. “So it’s not just one person wins … We all win if more people come.”
The Calico menu — inspired by Austin’s famed breakfast and brunch taco scene — will feature items like the Area 51 with spicy chorizo, eggs, Monterey jack cheese and the Texas Hold ’em with barbacoa brisket, eggs, and cheese.
