Last Hooters Restaurant in Jacksonville Has Closed

The San Jose Boulevard location permanently shut its doors following the company franchise's earlier bankruptcy filing.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Dining Out

Screen-print poster illustration of an empty, shuttered roadside restaurant with an outdoor patio, evoking the closure of a local business.
The last Hooters restaurant in Jacksonville, located on San Jose Boulevard, has permanently closed following the parent company's bankruptcy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The final Hooters restaurant in Jacksonville has officially closed its doors. A sign posted at the site on San Jose Boulevard at Baymeadows Road confirmed the permanent shuttering of the establishment.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of the brand's physical footprint in Jacksonville. It follows a period of financial instability for the franchise, which previously sought protection through bankruptcy proceedings.

The franchise initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in March 2025. As of October 2, 2026, the specific San Jose Boulevard location remained listed on the corporate website despite the posted closure notice.

The players

Hooters

Hooters is a global restaurant chain known for its signature chicken wings and casual dining atmosphere.

The details

The facility, located at the intersection of San Jose Boulevard and Baymeadows Road, displayed a Public Health and Safety notice dated Sept. 29. The site remained active on social media as recently as Sept. 24, when it promoted a new menu item before ultimately ceasing operations.

Timeline

  1. The franchise filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025.

  2. A new menu item was promoted on social media on Sept. 24, 2026.

  3. A Public Health and Safety notice was posted at the site on Sept. 29, 2026.

  4. The location remained listed on the corporate website on Oct. 2, 2026.

Culture Shift

The closure reflects a broader consolidation trend within the casual dining sector, where legacy brands often struggle to maintain physical locations amidst shifting economic pressures. This marks a departure from the brand's long-standing presence in the Jacksonville market.

Residents who frequented the San Jose Boulevard location will need to find alternative dining options, as no other Hooters locations remain in the city. The closure also eliminates local jobs associated with the operation of that specific restaurant.

The takeaway

The permanent closure of this restaurant highlights the difficulties legacy franchises face in the current economic environment. Customers should check official restaurant listings before visiting, as online databases may not always reflect real-time business status.

Further reading

For more information on local restaurant closures and openings, visit Jacksonville Dining Out.

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