Our Story

Chad Munsey has spent his career building places to eat and drink in Jacksonville, and he has never wanted to do it anywhere else. He grew up here. Early on he watched people leave for bigger cities to make their name, and decided he would rather be one of the ones who stayed. He started his career in Jacksonville managing Biscotti’s before moving to be the opening manager of Bistro Aix in 1999. Two years later he opened The Grotto in San Marco Square, one of the first wine bars in the city, at a time when people asked him who would go to a bar just to drink wine. He was also a managing partner at Ovinte for 2 years. Finally in 2016, he co-founded the Bearded Pig, a few blocks from the Huguenot location.

In between, there were a few years in Santa Barbara, Napa, and Sonoma as the director of education for a group of wineries where he earned his advanced Sommelier license.

The Huguenot was inspired by a trip to Charleston. He and his wife Lauren spent an evening in a wine bar run by a husband and wife, and by the end of it they were talking about their own. They had circled the idea for years. What changed was that they both wanted it at the same time.

Lauren is the creative force behind the design and atmosphere of The Huguenot, shaping everything from the design and character of the space to the way guests experience it. Her approach is equal parts refinement and ease: thoughtful details, genuine hospitality, and a room designed to make people want to settle in and stay awhile.

Together, Chad and Lauren have created a neighborhood wine bar that takes wine seriously without taking itself too seriously. A place for a good glass, a good board, and good company.