7 Jacksonville-area restaurants open, 5 permanently close in October

Seven Jacksonville-area restaurants opened and five permanently closed in October, marking a shifting landscape for local dining that included the sudden end of a 40-year sports bar staple and a decades-old seafood landmark Miami Herald.

Mandarin Hooters and Beachside Seafood Close

The oldest and last remaining Hooters location in Northeast Florida abruptly closed permanently after 40 years in business Miami Herald. Located at 8938 San Jose Blvd. overlooking Goodbys Creek, the Mandarin sports bar shuttered after recent inspections cited dead roaches and rat droppings Miami Herald. The closure followed company-wide upheavals that previously shuttered Orange Park and Tinseltown locations Miami Herald.

Meanwhile, Beachside Seafood Market at 120 Third St. S. closed "indefinitely" after a 37-year run in Jacksonville Beach Miami Herald. Pearl Hospitality Group of Jacksonville attributed the decision to multiple factors, including rising operating costs, increased competition, and slower-than-anticipated growth in new customer, though the company planned to keep the seafood market open.

New Additions in Five Points and Fleming Island

Offsetting the closures, October brought several notable openings to the area Miami Herald. Fat Tuesday returned to Jacksonville nearly 30 years after its closing at The Jacksonville Landing, opening Fat Tuesday Kitchen & Bar in Five Points at 1043 Park St., alongside the adjacent Fat Tuesday Social Lounge at 1045 Park St. Miami Herald. Grumpy’s Restaurant opened its sixth Jacksonville-area restaurant in Clay County. Additionally, Gastrosubs opened its second artisanal sandwich shop at 9475 Philips Highway, Unit 1, on the Southside Miami Herald.

Despite public announcements regarding the Beachside Seafood closure, a recorded message on the business’s shared telephone stated it couldn’t accept messages, and Pearl Hospitality officials couldn’t be reached for comment Miami Herald.