From longtime staples to new arrivals, Tallahassee's foodies and community members have grieved the loss of cherished local eateries.
Some owners of mom-and-pop restaurants came to the decision that it was time to pursue other ambitions, but many were left with no choice.
Between slow days of service, high food costs, inflation, labor shortages and May 10th's triple-threat tornadoes, the city has witnessed the despair of many businesses and the closing chapters of an entrepreneur's dreams.
While we've published stories on these developments, this list includes 16 establishments that have closed from the beginning of the year till now.
1 Fresh Stir Fry Grill
June 2024
After 23 years, 1 Fresh Stir Fry Grill, a fast-casual diner that specialized in Asian and Pan-Asian cuisine, closed its doors on June 14.
Owner Bill Poole posted a video on his Facebook page explaining to patrons that he decided it was time to close on his terms, "on top of his game," with an offer he couldn't refuse. The North Monroe location is slated to transform into a Huey Magoo's Chicken Tenders , a fast-casual chicken restaurant.
Bare Naked Kitchen
June 2024
As previously reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, the restaurant that sat at 609 W. Tennessee St. offered hearty and healthy menu items from the collaboration of Chris Ponte, one of Tampa Bay's renowned chefs, and Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham. The restaurant now sits vacant waiting for its next owner.
Burrito Boarder
May 2024
Days after the three tornadoes struck Tallahassee on May 10, Burrito Boarder on West Tennessee Street closed its door for good after 12 years of operation. In an early morning post May 16 on the Tex-Mex restaurant's Facebook page, a heartfelt goodbye post shocked many local patrons of the West Pensacola Street eatery with the announcement of its closure.
Owner David Turknett wrote that a rough season followed by the storm was the nail in the coffin for the family friendly establishment prized for its cherished memories inside the bright blue building's gaming lounge and open grassy lawn.
Chatarras
June 2024
Formerly owned by the family man and Venezuelan veterinarian, Jesus Lamas, the fast-casual quietly made its departure in June with a "temporary" closing sign that turned permanent.
The Venezuelan-themed restaurant, prized for gigantic, decorative hamburgers and hot dogs, operated for nearly a year but was left with no choice but to close after not being able to make ends meet. Lamas is now looking to embark on a new venture that he hopes will help his family.
City Dogs Cafe
May 2024
The city witnessed the devastation that struck the subway station-themed hot dog restaurant on Railroad Avenue following the May 10 storms in a series of Facebook and Instagram posts from owner Michael Robinson. Robinson candidly shared that "a lot of dreams were lost" that day as he panned the camera to show some of the cafe's destruction.
As previously reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, leading up to the storm, the artist and entrepreneur was already concerned because of the ongoing constructions along Railroad Avenue, proposed to improve pedestrian safety among other things. As of now, Robinson still operates beloved Ma's Diner in Bannerman Crossing.
Dreamland Bar-B-Que
June 2024
The Alabama-based barbecue joint leaving from the Centre of Tallahassee marked the end of a dream that the mall would be a thriving indoor-outdoor shopping center within an entertainment district catered to all.
The restaurant was a safe haven for many musicians and music lovers including Brett Wellman, front man for Brett Wellman and the Stone-Cold Blues Band, longtime jammers at Dreamland Bar-B-Que's Thursday Night Jams. Regulars of the barbeque restaurant have now had to find comfort at The Sound Bar, 1105 W. Tharpe St., for their weekly music sessions.
Duck Donuts
April 2024
Tallahassee seems to have a pattern of not cherishing locally owned designer doughnut shops. The shop's abrupt end in April follows the closure of Shipley Do-Nuts, known for making handcrafted doughnuts and kolaches which shuttered its West Tennessee Street store a year ago after a short run.
And SōDOUGH Baking Co. in Midtown which closed in 2022 . To get another bite of their thick, cakey designer doughnuts, foodies will have to take a road trip to their nearest location in Jacksonville.
Maple Street Biscuit Company (Killearn)
April 2024
After seven years of operation, the Northeast Tallahassee breakfast destination decided it wouldn't be renewing its lease at its Killearn location. Brown paper and blue masking tape covering the windows, along with a giant sign displayed on a chair in front of the building marked the end of the restaurant's reign. Patrons have been redirected to enjoy the restaurant's specialty flakey buttery biscuits at the 1600 W. Call St. location near the Florida State campus.
Park's Twisted Pizzeria and Grill
July 2024
One of the latest closures comes from the steampunk inspired pizza joint, Park's Twisted Pizzeria. The pizzeria on Mahan Drive was cherished for satisfying all of our "wicked" cravings with a variety of pizza combinations.
The closure of one of the city's favorite pizzerias has been followed by a wave of grief as the news circulates on the social media food group, Tallahassee Foodies. Owner Josh Park confirmed in an email exchange with the Tallahassee Democrat Friday that the closure was permanent.
Pizza Mouth
2024
Formerly known as Gumby's, Pizza Mouth quietly closed its doors after decades of operation, adding to the long list of vacant storefronts that sit along West Tennessee Street. Google has listed the establishment as permanently closed and the company's Facebook page seems to have been abandoned.
The pizzeria had been cherished by many not only for its slices but "OMG! Stix," saucy wings and family-friendly service.
Seineyard at Rock Landing
May 2024
After five years, the prized Seineyard at Rock Landing Panacea location closed after it was faced with a note stating that its lease would not be renewed to introduce new tenant, Salty Donkey, a family-friendly restauraunt.
Months prior the seafood restaurant sold its Woodville location to focus on the prized Panacea location which was cherished for its waterfront “outside-on-the-porch” dining experience, relaxing atmosphere and extensive seafood menu. Fans of the restaurant can still enjoy Seineyard at its Wildwood location, 3870 Coastal Highway.
Sliders – A Sandwich Revolution
May 2024
Midtown faced a wave of back-to-back restaurant closures which included Sliders- A Sandwich Revolution, a family operation led by Drew McLeod, the revered entrepreneur widely recognized for his presence in Tallahassee’s hospitality scene.
The 18th century-themed sandwich shop announced its closure on Facebook May 27 after reaching nearly one year of operation. In the restaurant closing statement the reasoning behind its departure was that it just needed "more people loving it," in order to be sustainable. The restaurant was last seen hosting a fundraising event for an African-cuisine restaurant, Halisi Africa, located in Railroad Sqaure.
Taco Republik
May 2024
This fast-casual family-owned taco restaurant in Midtown closed its door around the same time as Sliders, just a few doors down. A sign displayed on the front door in May stated that the cherished taqueria was temporary closed, but it quickly turned permanent.
Foodies who enjoyed their last servings of the prized signature "republik tacos," and yucca fries says that there "wasn't enough evening business to keep it going." The former restaurant is now the site of El Rey Tacos & Beer, which was well received on its grand opening Wednesday, July 17.
Takko Korean Taqueria (Market Sqaure)
May 2024
Despite coming in second place for one of the city's favorite fry destinations in the Tallahassee Democrat's food challenge, Takko closed its Market Sqaure location. The Facebook announcement came as a surprise but relief to patrons who found out one sole Takko location remains on South Magnolia Drive. The Korean-themed casual dining restaurant owned by Tomas Lee was popular for a number of Chef Lee's specialties.
Vertigo Burger and Fries
March 2024
After 13 years of operation the Tallahassee gem that specialized in all thing burgers with a Southern twist announced its closure after it hosted its unknown last day of service. Vertigo owners, David and Elizabeth Gwynn also operated Cypress Restaurant and Grove Market Café, also both closed.
The restaurant was a nostalgic spot for many who shared memories of date nights, birthday parties and other milestone moments in the restaurant's goodbye post. The venue now makes way for locally owned coffee shop Lucky Goat.
Waterworks
January 2024
Owner Don Quarello closed the landmark Midtown bar (which started downtown) after a stunning 32 years in business. This closure was a blow to those who were in attendance for any of the tiki bar and restaurant's eclectic fun-filled events.
From an array of music nights, annual events like the "Mullet-Thon" celebration, its "Celebration of Ice," election watch nights, karaoke nights, live jazz, and so much more, the business created memories for generations of patrons. The location is slated to be demolished for additional parking and the expansion site of a neighboring business, Midtown Reader.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Closing time: 16 Tallahassee restaurants that shut down this year
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