Fat Tuesday Will Open New Jacksonville Location

The New Orleans-based brand is launching a restaurant and lounge in the Five Points neighborhood this October.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Screen-print poster illustration featuring arched mahogany double doors and warm-toned architectural details, evoking the inviting atmosphere of a new local lounge. — Fat Tuesday is opening a new restaurant and lounge in Jacksonville's Five Points neighborhood on October 9, marking the brand's return after thirty years. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Fat Tuesday is set to open a new restaurant, bar, and social lounge in Jacksonville on October 9, 2026. The expansion occupies two storefronts at 1043 and 1045 Park St. in the Five Points area.

Why it matters

This expansion marks the return of the brand to Jacksonville after a 30-year absence from the local market. The new venue fills the space previously occupied by Rain Dogs, which closed in December 2024.

The new facility spans 2,300 square feet for the kitchen and bar at 1043 Park St. and 2,700 square feet for a social lounge at 1045 Park St. This expansion follows the brand's founding in New Orleans in 1984.

The players

Fat Tuesday

Founded in 1984 in New Orleans, this brand is a well-known chain specializing in frozen cocktails and social dining experiences.

Rain Dogs

This former establishment previously occupied the 1045 Park St. storefront before closing in December 2024.

The details

Fat Tuesday will utilize two adjacent storefronts to provide a full-service dining and entertainment experience. The 1045 Park St. address replaces the former Rain Dogs venue, which shuttered in late 2024.

Fat Tuesday was founded in New Orleans in 1984.
The restaurant operated at The Jacksonville Landing from June 25, 1987, until June 1997.
Rain Dogs closed its location at 1045 Park St. in December 2024.
The new Five Points restaurant and lounge opens on October 9, 2026.

Market Landscape

The brand's return marks a strategic move into the Five Points area, positioning it within a distinct local entertainment hub. This expansion mirrors broader trends of national hospitality brands re-entering local markets to capture foot traffic in established urban districts.

Local residents will gain a new dining and social option in the Five Points area starting in October. Customers can expect a renovated space that replaces the former Rain Dogs venue with a combined kitchen and lounge format.

The takeaway

The return of this brand after three decades highlights a shift in the local hospitality landscape as established concepts move into vibrant neighborhood hubs. Consumers can anticipate a multi-functional venue that integrates dining and nightlife services under one roof.