Jeffrey Adams on Fourth Street Will Close Permanently

The long-standing restaurant will shut its doors in downtown Winston-Salem this October.

Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of a darkened restaurant window and brass latch, representing the closure of a local business.
Jeffrey Adams on Fourth Street will permanently close its doors in downtown Winston-Salem this October, ending a 14-year tenure in the city. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jeffrey Adams on Fourth Street will permanently close its doors on October 4, 2026, ending a 14-year run in the city. The establishment announced its departure via social media, signaling a shift for the local downtown dining scene.

Why it matters

The closure highlights ongoing economic pressures facing downtown businesses, specifically rising labor and food costs alongside reduced foot traffic. This exit contributes to a recent trend of turnover within the local restaurant sector.

The restaurant operated for 14 years before its closure announcement. While seven other restaurants closed downtown over the last year, there are currently 78 total restaurants in the area and three spaces seeking new tenants.

The players

Jeffrey Adams on Fourth Street

This restaurant served the Winston-Salem community for 14 years before announcing its closure.

Greater Winston-Salem Inc.

This organization manages recruitment efforts to bring new commercial businesses to the downtown area.

The details

The building occupied by Jeffrey Adams on Fourth Street is currently listed for sale. Despite the closure, industry expectations suggest the location will likely host another restaurant in the future.

Timeline

  1. 1994: Downtown Winston-Salem featured 36 restaurants.

  2. 2026: The area grew to support 78 restaurants.

  3. October 4, 2026: Jeffrey Adams on Fourth Street will close permanently.

Culture Shift

The closure reflects a broader cooling of the downtown restaurant expansion that saw the total number of establishments rise from 36 in 1994 to 78 by 2026. This contraction marks a departure from the rapid growth phase, highlighting the struggle of legacy businesses to maintain margins.

Residents should anticipate the loss of a long-standing dining option on Fourth Street starting in October. Shoppers and diners may see new ownership take over the space, as business leaders are currently focused on recruiting new tenants to fill downtown vacancies.

The takeaway

Restaurant owners and residents alike are navigating an environment where rising operational costs necessitate difficult business decisions. Local economic infrastructure support remains a critical factor for maintaining the sustainability of downtown establishments.

Further reading

For more on the local food scene, see the Dining Out section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by WXLV.

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Do you feel optimistic about the long-term health of your local downtown business district?