Jacksonville, Florida, January 17, 2026
Jenkins Quality Barbecue, a cherished family-owned restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida, has closed its doors after 68 years of serving oak-smoked meats and its famous mustard-based sauce. The closure, effective September 30, 2025, is attributed to rising food and labor costs. Established in 1957, Jenkins was a local institution, contributing to Jacksonville’s vibrant barbecue scene, ranked ninth in the U.S. Despite its closure, the hope remains that future establishments will continue the city’s rich barbecue heritage.
Jacksonville’s Jenkins Quality Barbecue Closes After 68 Years
Jacksonville, Florida – After nearly seven decades of serving the community, Jenkins Quality Barbecue has closed its doors. The family-owned restaurant, renowned for its oak-smoked meats and signature mustard-based sauce, ceased operations on September 30, 2025, citing rising food and labor costs as primary factors.
Legacy of Jenkins Quality Barbecue
Established in 1957, Jenkins Quality Barbecue became a Jacksonville institution, attracting patrons with its tender ribs, juicy chicken, and distinctive mustard-based sauce. The restaurant’s commitment to traditional barbecue methods, including smoking meats over oak wood, earned it a loyal following.
Jacksonville’s Barbecue Scene
Jacksonville has long been recognized for its vibrant barbecue culture. In 2023, the city ranked ninth among the top barbecue cities in the United States, surpassing other Florida cities like Tampa and Orlando. The closure of Jenkins Quality Barbecue marks the end of an era, but the city’s barbecue scene continues to thrive with establishments like The Bearded Pig, Mojo BBQ, and Woodpecker’s BBQ.
Impact on the Community
The closure of Jenkins Quality Barbecue has left a void in Jacksonville’s culinary landscape. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and tradition has been a source of pride for many residents. As the community reflects on the loss, there is hope that new establishments will emerge to carry forward the rich barbecue heritage of the city.
Looking Ahead
While Jenkins Quality Barbecue is no longer in operation, Jacksonville’s barbecue tradition remains strong. The city’s diverse culinary scene continues to offer a variety of options for barbecue enthusiasts, ensuring that the flavors and techniques that made Jenkins a beloved institution will live on in other local establishments.
FAQ
What led to the closure of Jenkins Quality Barbecue?
The family-owned restaurant closed on September 30, 2025, due to rising food and labor costs.
When did Jenkins Quality Barbecue first open?
Jenkins Quality Barbecue was established in 1957.
What is Jacksonville’s ranking among the top barbecue cities in the U.S.?
In 2023, Jacksonville ranked ninth among the top barbecue cities in the United States.
Which other barbecue restaurants are popular in Jacksonville?
Other popular barbecue establishments in Jacksonville include The Bearded Pig, Mojo BBQ, and Woodpecker’s BBQ.
Will Jenkins Quality Barbecue reopen in the future?
As of now, there are no indications that Jenkins Quality Barbecue plans to reopen. The closure appears to be permanent.
Key Features of Jenkins Quality Barbecue
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Established | 1957 |
| Specialty | Oak-smoked meats with mustard-based sauce |
| Closure Date | September 30, 2025 |
| Reason for Closure | Rising food and labor costs |
| Community Impact | Loss of a beloved local institution |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
