Daytona's Original First Turn to close, but first, a 10-day celebration

A popular Port Orange restaurant and bar announced plans to close its doors for good in less than two weeks.

Shane Snipes and Janet Brown McDermott, owners of Daytona’s Original First Turn, Daytona’s Steakhouse and Gastro Pub at First Turn and Someplace Else at First Turn, announced the Port Orange closures on social media Wednesday morning.

“With heavy hearts we announce we will be closing this chapter of many lives,” the Facebook post reads. “Jan and I spoke with our staff last night and agreed it’s just too much to continue.”

'We tried to keep it for the locals': First Turn owner talks about decision to close

However, the closures are not effective immediately. In fact, the owners don't plan on going quietly.

In the same post, Snipes details a 10-day itinerary leading up to the closures that will feature food and drink specials, live music and more, beginning on July 24 and concluding Aug. 2.

He encouraged customers to post their favorite photos and memories from the last four decades online and stop by over the next 10 days to say their final farewells to the staff.

Within the first two hours of being posted, the statement was met with hundreds of reactions from saddened regulars, expressing their disbelief and well wishes.

“I am so sorry to hear this! You both did an amazing job in making this place great. Best of luck on your new chapter … I’m certain it will be amazing!” Kelly Hackett Riggle commented.

“This is sad to hear,” Brenda Jarrett began. “This bar has been around for many generations for us locals.”

First Turn, a go-to among locals — and popular game-day spot — is known for its live music, happy hour specials, and some of the best wings in town at unbeatable prices. Daytona’s Steakhouse and Gastro Pub at First Turn announced its opening back in July 2022, offering tomahawk steak, wings and more, while Somewhere Else at First Turn — a nonsmoking local dive — recently opened in April.

Daytona's Original First Turn schedule of events

• July 24: Last karaoke night.
• July 25: Biggest Thursday night in 40 year history with Big Engine at 7 p.m.
• July 26: Zack Denby live at 7 p.m.
• July 27: Joe Reid at 7 p.m.
• July 28: Sam Bittenbender at 4 p.m.
• July 29: Open noon to 6 p.m.
• July 30: Open noon to 6 p.m.
• July 31: Open noon to 6 p.m.
• Aug. 1: Open noon until ...
• Aug 2: The final goodbye with Are Friends Electric.

Daytona’s Steakhouse at First Turn

July 24: Open noon to 4 p.m.

July 25: Open noon to 9 p.m.

July 26: Open 4 to 10 p.m.

July 27: Open 4 to 10 p.m.

July 31: Nutshack Comedy Show with drink and food specials.

Someplace Else at First Turn

July 25: Open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

July 26: Open 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Aug. 2: Open 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. for the goodbye party.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona's Original First Turn to close, but first, a 10-day celebration