This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Jacksonville, Florida—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries were open, on a daily basis they paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or were just part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.
Jacksonville, the largest city by area in the contiguous United States, boasts a vibrant food scene influenced by its diverse population of over 900,000 residents in Northeast Florida. Nestled along the banks of the St. Johns River and just a short drive from the Atlantic Ocean, Jacksonville thrives on its coastal cuisine, particularly seafood dishes like the famed Mayport shrimp and fish dip. A local favorite, the celebrated restaurant The Blue Fish specializes in fresh, locally-sourced seafood with a Southern twist. Jacksonville’s rich history as a trading port and its proximity to plentiful ingredients play a significant role in shaping its culinary traditions, fostering a unique blend of flavors that reflect both Southern comfort and coastal freshness.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
Closed Down Restaurants in Jacksonville, Florida
What Was Once Served in the River City
Jacksonville’s restaurant scene reflects the city’s evolving culture—from roadside diners and seafood chains to ambitious urban bistros. While new places pop up in Riverside, the Beaches, and St. Johns Town Center, many iconic spots have closed their doors. Here’s a look back, organized by decade, at restaurants that once fed the First Coast.
2020s
Red Lobster (Multiple Locations)
Closure Date: May 2024
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8720 Baymeadows Rd
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416 Commerce Center Dr
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13090 City Station Dr
All three Jacksonville-area Red Lobsters closed during a wave of national restructuring by the seafood chain.
Pollo Tropical (Multiple Locations)
Closure Date: February 2024
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730 Skymarks Dr (River City Marketplace)
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4863 Gate Parkway (Markets at Town Center)
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10989 San Jose Blvd (Mandarin)
These Latin fast-casual restaurants closed suddenly, leaving the region without any Pollo Tropical locations.
Tijuana Flats (Multiple Locations)
Closure Date: April 2024
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5635 San Jose Blvd (Lakewood)
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11700 San Jose Blvd, Unit 24 (Mandarin)
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13820 Old St. Augustine Rd (Bartram Park)
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5907 Roosevelt Blvd (Ortega Village)
Closed during a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing by the Tex-Mex chain.
Hamburger Mary’s
Closure Date: October 2023
Closed due to a fire and has not reopened as of late 2024. The LGBTQ+-friendly chain was known for its drag shows and burgers.
Don Pablo’s
Location: 4555 Southside Blvd
Status: Previously a Wild Wing Cafe. A Chick-fil-A is scheduled to open here in December 2025.
Dua Restaurant & Lounge (Formerly Bennigan’s)
Location: 8532 Baymeadows Rd
Originally a Bennigan’s, then became Bamboo & Creek Asian Bistro. It is now home to Dua Lounge.
2010s
Brio Tuscan Grille
Location: St. Johns Town Center
Closure Date: January 24, 2020
Closed due to reduced foot traffic after nearly eight years of serving upscale Italian.
Mimi’s Cafe
Location: St. Johns Town Center
Closure Date: 2019
A French-American chain offering brunch and comfort food, it closed after several years in business.
Blackfinn Ameripub
Location: St. Johns Town Center
Closure Date: October 2018
One of the Town Center’s original tenants, it closed without advance notice.
2000s
Bennigan’s (Atlantic Blvd)
Location: 9245 Atlantic Blvd
Closure Date: 2008
Demolished to make way for a Fifth Third Bank location.
Crispers
Closure Date: By 2015
Known for sandwiches and salads, Crispers closed all of its Jacksonville-area locations during downsizing.
1980s and Earlier / Undated (Including Legacy Chains)
Burger Chef
Location: 1415 Edgewood Ave N
Built: 1969
Now: Sunrise Caribbean Gourmet
Burger Chef was once a national fast-food chain famous for the “Works Bar” and its role as a McDonald’s competitor.
Howard Johnson’s (Multiple Locations):
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6545 Ramona Blvd – No successor business listed
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3007 Philips Hwy – Demolished
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1055 Golfair Blvd – Opening and closing dates unknown
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1515 1st St N, Jacksonville Beach – Now Tides Beach Bar & Grille
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Multiple Other Sites – Records incomplete
Howard Johnson’s restaurants were once roadside staples known for their orange roofs and comfort food menus.
Jacksonville Landing (Bonus: Multi-Restaurant Hub)
Location: 2 Independent Dr
Opened: 1987 | Closed: 2019
The Landing was home to numerous restaurants over the years including Hooters, Cinco de Mayo, Chicago Pizza, and more. It was demolished in 2020.
Final Thoughts
Jacksonville’s food scene is always in motion. From the aroma of sizzling fajitas at Don Pablo’s to late-night laughs at Hamburger Mary’s, these restaurants played a role in shaping memories for locals and visitors alike.
To explore more Florida restaurant histories or submit your own memories, visit ClosedDownRestaurants.com.
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