Jacksonville Beach Says Goodbye to The Bearded Pig

News Summary

The Bearded Pig, a beloved restaurant in Jacksonville Beach, is closing its doors on April 6 due to high construction costs, staffing shortages, and declining revenues. Though this location is closing, the owners plan to focus on their San Marco location and explore new opportunities, including a concept called Bearded Piglette. Community members will miss this local favorite while looking forward to future ventures.

Jacksonville Beach Bids Farewell to The Bearded Pig

In a bittersweet turn of events, Jacksonville Beach is preparing to say goodbye to The Bearded Pig, a restaurant that opened its doors in March 2021. The eatery, which quickly became a local favorite, will officially close its doors on Sunday, April 6. This news was announced by the restaurant’s owners, who took to social media to share their heartfelt message.

Why the Closure?

The closure stems from a combination of challenging factors. High construction costs, staffing shortages, and the struggling post-COVID market have all contributed to the difficult decision. Originally, the owners budgeted around $800,000 to build the Jacksonville Beach location, which was situated in a former bank at 1700 Third St. S. However, as the project unfolded, those costs almost doubled.

Designed to accommodate 180 seats, it soon became clear that this capacity was too large for the local market. The burden of local regulations also added to the financial strain, with requirements for additional oil drain installations and more frequent cleanings imposed by the city.

Diving into the Numbers

The financial health of the restaurant was no less troubling. There was a significant 20% decline in year-to-date revenue, making it clear that the previous year had not been profitable for the business. With these numbers in mind, the decision to close the Jacksonville Beach restaurant was deemed necessary by the owners.

What’s Next for The Bearded Pig?

While it’s sad to see the Jacksonville Beach location go, the owners, Michael Schmidt and Chad Munsey, are shifting their focus to their remaining location in San Marco. This spot, which opened in 2016 at 1224 Kings Ave. before moving to a larger venue at 1808 Kings Ave., will become the primary hub for the brand moving forward.

Plans are already in motion to enhance the offerings at the San Marco location. New menu items are set to be introduced, and the bar options will also be expanded. There’s even talk of growing catering services to reach a broader audience. Interestingly, Munsey has noted that beachgoers tend to favor seafood and sandwiches over traditional barbecue, hinting at future menu adjustments.

Future Ventures and Excitement

Not one to rest on their laurels, the owners have plans beyond the San Marco location. A new adventure in the works is a concept dubbed Bearded Piglette, which will be a part of the upcoming The Block JAX food hall slated to open this fall. This new space aims to be a bustling hub, featuring several restaurants, an event space, a children’s play area, and even a dog park, ensuring a fun environment for families and pet lovers alike.

Please keep in mind that the menu for Bearded Piglette will be condensed due to space constraints, a small compromise for what promises to be an exciting new addition to the local dining scene.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

As The Bearded Pig prepares for its final days in Jacksonville Beach, the dining and kitchen equipment will be stored away, awaiting future possibilities. Though a new location for The Bearded Pig has not yet been determined, the owners remain optimistic and open to the chance of reopening if a suitable spot becomes available in the future.

As the community prepares for this change, it’s hard not to feel the void that this beloved eatery will leave behind. Nonetheless, the excitement for the future ventures and the continued success of the San Marco restaurant keeps spirits high.

So, Jacksonville Beach, raise a glass in honor of The Bearded Pig, and stay tuned for more delicious adventures from this popular local brand.

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Additional Resources

• Jacksonville.com: The Bearded Pig Closing
• Wikipedia: The Bearded Pig
• Jax Daily Record: Bearded Pig BBQ Closure
• Google Search: Jacksonville Beach restaurant closures
• Jacksonville.com: Bearded Pig Menu Expansion
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant business closures
• First Coast News: Best Restaurant in Florida
• Google News: Bearded Pig Jacksonville