Jacksonville Hooters Location Closed Permanently
The restaurant on San Jose Boulevard shut down following significant inspection violations.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Dining Out
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The Hooters restaurant located at 8938 San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville has permanently closed. The closure followed a series of health and safety violations cited by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Why it matters
The location shuttered after an inspection uncovered a total of 10 health violations, including the presence of insects and rodents. This closure marks the end of the brand's presence in the city.
The inspection identified three high-priority, two intermediate, and five basic violations. These figures represent the total citations issued by state regulators prior to the restaurant's permanent closure.
The players
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
This state agency is responsible for licensing and regulating businesses and professionals to protect consumers.
Hooters of America, LLC
This company operates and franchises the Hooters restaurant chain.
The details
Regulators issued a temporary closure order after findings included rodent droppings and insect activity. This specific site at 8938 San Jose Boulevard was the last remaining Jacksonville location for the chain.
Timeline
Late October 2025: Hooters of America, LLC emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
October 2026: The Jacksonville Hooters restaurant closed permanently.
October 12, 2026: The location remained listed on the company website.
Culture Shift
This closure reflects broader corporate efforts to consolidate after the post-bankruptcy restructuring of Hooters of America, LLC. It marks a shift in the regional retail environment as the chain retreats from its previous footprint in the city.
Residents and frequent patrons of the San Jose Boulevard area will need to seek alternative dining options. There are no longer any Hooters locations operating within the city limits of Jacksonville.
The takeaway
Maintaining food safety standards is critical for the long-term viability of any restaurant establishment. Consumers should monitor state health inspection reports when making dining decisions to ensure their chosen venues meet public health requirements.
Further reading
For more information on local restaurant updates, visit the Jacksonville Dining Out section.
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