Original Woody's Bar-B-Q Will Close Jacksonville Location
The restaurant will shut its original University Boulevard site after 46 years of operation.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings
Live Poll
Would you continue to visit a favorite restaurant if it moved to a new neighborhood?
Woody's Bar-B-Q will close its original restaurant at 1638 University Blvd. S. in Jacksonville on September 30, 2026. The location has operated at the site since July 1, 1980.
Why it matters
The company is moving to a new Jacksonville location because the current area has changed significantly due to the closure of nearby businesses. The transition aims to provide better positioning for the future of the restaurant.
The original restaurant served customers for 46 years since its 1980 opening. To mark the final day, the restaurant is offering a pulled pork sandwich with fries for $1.90.
The players
Greater Purpose Restaurant Group
This organization acquired Woody's Bar-B-Q in October 2025 and is currently overseeing the transition of its restaurant locations.
Jack Dunsmoor
He is a co-owner of the Greater Purpose Restaurant Group, which currently manages the operations of the Woody's Bar-B-Q brand.
Kelly Harris
She serves as a co-owner of the Greater Purpose Restaurant Group and is involved in the strategic relocation of the company's restaurant sites.
The details
Greater Purpose Restaurant Group, which acquired the business in October 2025, confirmed that all employees at the closing site will have the option to transfer to other company restaurants. The chain plans to keep the core menu of slow-smoked meats and traditional sides intact at its future site.
Timeline
July 1, 1980: The original Woody's restaurant opened on University Boulevard.
October 2025: Greater Purpose Restaurant Group acquired the restaurant.
September 30, 2026: The original University Boulevard location closes.
Market Landscape
This closure follows a pattern set by the broader trend of businesses abandoning legacy retail corridors that have experienced declining foot traffic due to nearby business closures. The move positions Greater Purpose Restaurant Group to better compete within shifting commercial hubs.
Regular patrons of the University Boulevard location can still access the brand's menu at other regional spots while waiting for the new Jacksonville site to open. Employees affected by the closure will have the opportunity to maintain their positions through transfers within the company.
The takeaway
When long-standing businesses relocate, it often reflects a broader evolution in the commercial viability of specific city corridors. Customers should monitor company announcements to stay informed about the specific timing and location of the new branch.
Further reading
For more news on local business changes, visit the Jacksonville Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Florida Times-Union.
Live Poll
Would you continue to visit a favorite restaurant if it moved to a new neighborhood?
