News Summary
Jenkins Quality Barbecue, a cherished Jacksonville institution for 68 years, is set to close all its locations by September 30, 2025. In light of rising operational costs and changing consumer habits, the family-run restaurant urges loyal customers to visit one last time and redeem any remaining gift cards. The restaurant was honored as the best barbecue joint in Florida by the Food Network in 2023, highlighting its importance in the local culinary landscape. As the community prepares for the closure, Jenkins’ legacy will be remembered fondly by many who have shared meals and memories there.
Jacksonville to Bid Farewell to Jenkins Quality Barbecue
Jacksonville residents will soon say goodbye to Jenkins Quality Barbecue, a beloved institution that has offered its delicious fare for 68 years. The company announced it will permanently close all three of its Jacksonville locations—Southside, downtown, and New Kings Road—by September 30, 2025. This decision comes amid challenges faced by the restaurant industry, including rising costs of food and labor, shifting consumer trends, and ongoing supply chain issues.
Final Days of Operation
The Jenkins family is encouraging loyal customers to visit their locations and place last orders before the closure date. Customers are reminded to use any remaining gift cards by September 30, and the family will also close their online barbecue sauce shop, urging customers to order remaining pint-sized bottles of sauce by the end of the day on September 21.
Industry Recognition
Despite the circumstances leading to the closure, Jenkins Quality Barbecue was recently recognized in 2023 as the best barbecue joint in Florida by the Food Network, highlighting its longstanding popularity and the high quality of its offerings.
Legacy of Jenkins Quality Barbecue
Founded in 1957, Jenkins Quality Barbecue holds a significant place in Jacksonville’s culinary history as one of the oldest Black family-owned restaurants in the area. Over the past decades, it has garnered a dedicated customer base and contributed to the rich cultural landscape of the city. The restaurant has been a go-to destination for barbecue lovers not only in Jacksonville but has also attracted visitors from other regions who come to savor its renowned dishes.
The Jenkins family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to customers and supporters through a social media message, acknowledging the community’s role in their journey and the impact of the restaurant’s closure. The closure marks the end of an era for Jenkins Quality Barbecue, a place where generations have gathered to enjoy slow-cooked, flavorful barbecue.
Challenges Facing the Restaurant Industry
The decision to close reflects broader challenges facing the restaurant industry, particularly post-pandemic. Many establishments are grappling with rising operational costs, labor shortages, and changing consumer habits. Shifts in dining preferences, accelerated by health and safety concerns, have further complicated the landscape for traditional sit-down restaurants.
As Jenkins Quality Barbecue prepares to close its doors, the community is left to reminisce about the cherished memories created over a shared love of good food. The restaurant’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on Jacksonville, where it served not just as a dining destination, but as a cultural cornerstone in the community.
Conclusion
As the closure date approaches, Jenkins Quality Barbecue stands as a testament to resilience and dedication to quality service. While the doors may close, the flavors and memories cultivated over nearly seven decades will continue to resonate with many who have experienced the warmth and hospitality that defined this iconic Jacksonville restaurant.
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Jenkins Quality Barbecue to Close All Locations
Additional Resources
- News4Jax
- Wikipedia: Jenkins Quality Barbecue
- First Coast News
- Google Search: Jenkins Quality Barbecue
- Jacksonville.com
- Google News: Jenkins Quality Barbecue
- Action News Jax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jenkins Quality Barbecue
- Jacksonville Free Press
- Google Scholar: Jenkins Quality Barbecue
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.
