2024 was been a challenging year for the restaurant industry in Central Florida as rising food, alcohol, labor, and supply costs forced numerous establishments to shut their doors. From cherished local spots to well-known national chains, the economic pressure proved too great for many to endure.
Chains Filing for Bankruptcy
National restaurant chains, long regarded as staples in the dining industry, faced unprecedented financial struggles:
- Red Lobster: Filed for bankruptcy in April but was later acquired by an investment firm. Several locations in Florida, including multiple in Jacksonville, closed during the restructuring.
- Bucca di Beppo: Filed for bankruptcy in August, marking the end of its presence in several cities.
- T.G.I. Fridays: Filed for bankruptcy in November, with closures across Florida.
Local Favorites Shutting Across Florida
The closures hit home with local businesses, many of which had served their communities for years:
Gainesville:
- Birdie Box: Known for its exceptional chicken sandwiches, closed in the first half of 2024.
- Blue Agave Mexican Restaurant: A neighborhood favorite for over 11 years, closed in October.
- BurgerFi: Shuttered in March after the franchise owner retired.
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar: Closed in January.
- Tijuana Flats: A Tex-Mex fast-casual favorite, closed in the spring.
Satellite Beach:
- Beef O’Brady’s: A popular sports bar that served the community for 18 years closed in the fall.
Sarasota:
- Meshugana Deli: A beloved New York-style Jewish deli, closed in 2024.
St. Augustine:
- A1A Ale Works: A landmark restaurant closed in May after its lease expired.
Jacksonville:
- Red Lobster: Multiple locations shut down.
- Hooters: The Orange Park location closed its doors.
- Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi: The Riverside Avenue location closed.
- The Stout Snug: Closed at its Edgewood Avenue location.
Other restaurant chains, including MOD Pizza, Denny’s, TGI Fridays, and Cracker Barrel, also closed various locations in Jacksonville and across the state.
Cocoa Beach:
- Village Beer Garden: Closed in 2024.
Orlando and Kissimmee:
Orlando and its surrounding areas saw a significant number of closures, including:
- Dolce Thornton Park: Closed in March due to rising costs and staffing shortages.
- Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria: A 20-year local institution closed in October.
- Ethos Vegan Kitchen: Winter Park’s vegan staple closed after 17 years.
- The Mongolorian: Closed in 2024, just over a year after opening.
Other notable closures included Graffiti Junktion, DaJen Eats, Hamburger Mary’s, and Schmankerlstubn, a German restaurant in Orlando.
A Perfect Storm of Rising Costs
The causes of these closures highlight the financial strain many restaurateurs are facing:
- Inflated Food Prices: Rising costs for staples like eggs, beef, and produce have made menu pricing a challenge.
- Labor Shortages and Wages: The difficulty in hiring and retaining staff has driven up payroll expenses.
- Supply Chain Issues: Skyrocketing costs for alcohol, equipment, and essential supplies have squeezed margins further.
- Rent and Utilities: In a booming real estate market, commercial lease prices have surged, especially in popular areas like Orlando and Kissimmee.
Innovative Adaptations Amid Challenges
Despite the hardships, some restaurant owners are adapting to survive:
- Pop-Up Kitchens: Shared spaces reduce overhead costs for smaller operations.
- Simplified Menus: Streamlining offerings to focus on high-margin items.
- Alternative Revenue Streams: Events, catering, and food trucks are becoming popular options to supplement dine-in sales.
Looking Forward
The restaurant closures in Central Florida underscore the challenges facing the industry but also highlight opportunities for innovation. Communities continue to rally around beloved establishments, and some closures have inspired conversations about sustainability and resilience in local dining.
As the region navigates these changes, Central Floridians remain hopeful that new ventures will emerge and reimagine what dining looks like in this vibrant, growing community.