News Summary
A Firehouse Subs restaurant in Jacksonville is scheduled to reopen after nearly two years of closure due to a tragic crash that took two lives. The restaurant underwent extensive renovations, featuring a new mural that pays tribute to local firefighters. The reopening comes with operational changes, with the restaurant now open daily, addressing community demand for its menu. The event of reopening symbolizes resilience within the Jacksonville area, and locals are excited to return to their beloved dining spot.
Jacksonville – A Firehouse Subs restaurant located at 4347 University Blvd. South is set to reopen on Wednesday, nearly two years after being closed due to a tragic crash that resulted in the loss of two lives. The long-awaited return was sparked by the restaurant’s popularity and a high demand from patrons eager for its comeback.
The restaurant, a staple of the University Boulevard area, has undergone significant renovations and improvements to ensure a better dining experience for its guests. The renovations include a complete redesign of the interior, which features a new custom mural depicting three Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department firefighters rescuing three jaguars, a nod to the Jacksonville Jaguars. This mural is reminiscent of the decor that was present when the restaurant first opened its doors on February 26, 1996.
The decision to reopen the Firehouse Subs comes after a devastating incident on August 16, 2023, when a gray BMW crashed into the building at approximately 1:20 a.m. The driver, who was reportedly speeding, lost control of the vehicle, leading to a fiery crash that resulted in the deaths of both the driver and passenger. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department officers pronounced both individuals dead at the scene. The impact severely damaged the vehicle as well as the Firehouse Subs premises, leading to its closure.
This tragic event was not the first incident of this kind at the University Boulevard location. In 2018, a crash involving a motorcyclist resulted in the death of a 41-year-old woman named Grace Gossege Jimenez. Following this earlier incident, city officials took preventive measures by installing concrete yellow poles as barriers at the site to enhance safety for diners and pedestrians.
The reopening of Firehouse Subs is coupled with operational changes. The restaurant will now be open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., allowing patrons ample time to enjoy their meals. The management highlights that they are committed to providing high-quality service and food, contributing to the vibrant community in Jacksonville.
The Firehouse Subs restaurant has long been a favorite spot in the neighborhood, known for its hearty subs and welcoming atmosphere. The local community has expressed enthusiasm about the return of the restaurant, which is especially significant given the culture and connection surrounding the Jacksonville area and its sports teams.
The rebuilding and reopening efforts reflect a broader trend in Jacksonville where businesses look to adapt and bounce back following challenging circumstances. With safety measures in place and community support, Firehouse Subs aims to revive its place as a beloved dining destination for residents and visitors alike.
As the reopening date approaches, many in the area are looking forward to once again enjoying the menu offerings and familiar atmosphere that Firehouse Subs has been known for since its inception. The restaurant’s dedication to safety, quality, and community makes its return an anticipated event for the locals.
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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.
