The opportunities and challenges of operating a restaurant in Downtown Jacksonville were on display in 2025, when openings of food and beverage establishments mixed with closures of several others.
On the plus side, restaurateurs served a growing Downtown residential population, which according to the nonprofit advocacy group Downtown Vision Inc. grew to 8,941 in 2025 from 7,657 in 2024.
But that growth was accompanied by a high vacancy rate in Downtown office buildings that could rise further in 2026 with pending moves out of Downtown by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. and the Duval County School District. In the third quarter of 2025, Jacksonville industry market reports showed vacancy rates of 28.1% to 28.8%.
The equation of more residents and a shrinking workforce left Downtown short of a tipping point at which advocates say there will be an adequate number of customers to provide year-round, morning-to-late-night support for restaurants and retail establishments.
Beyond those issues, Downtown restaurateurs also faced the same challenges as their competitors elsewhere, such as rising costs of ingredients, labor and rents.
What’s clear heading into 2026 is that the challenges haven’t dissuaded restaurant operators from exploring Downtown, as several concepts are in the pipeline.
Here is a look at 2025’s openings:
OPENINGS
Players Grille opened in February its Brooklyn location on the ground floor of the Home2 Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown, 600 Park St.
The Downtown Investment Authority board approved a $72,430 forgivable loan for the project in May 2024. In September of that year, the city issued a permit to build-out at a project cost of $1.2 million.
The menu includes wings and burgers, sandwiches, nachos and more.
Mixed Fillings Pie Shop opened in March at 440 W. Adams St. after previously operating at 1049 Park St. in Five Points.
Dorothy’s Downtown opened in May in the former Burrito Gallery space at 21 E. Adams St. The Creole-inspired restaurant includes a full bar, patio seating and such menu items as beignets, gumbo and etouffe.
In September 2024, the DIA board approved a $173,055 incentive package Sept. 18 for the establishment. In March 2025, the city issued a permit to build-out the space at a project cost of $180,000.
Pour Taproom and Pizza Dynamo opened in a connected space at Laura and Forsyth streets in June in the historic core of Downtown, an area of focus for the DIA and City Council.
The two concepts feature indoor-outdoor bars and seating, plus interior bars and tables. The 7,000-square-foot, two-story Pour Taproom offers self-service beer, wine and select specialty cocktails at 80 taps. It is the Atlanta-based pub’s sixth location. The 3,000-square-foot Pizza Dynamo serves whole pizzas, slices, calzones, sandwiches, salads and gelato.
In April 2024, the DIA board approved incentives of $207,350 for Pizza Dynamo and $215,000 for Pour Taproom. In August of that year, the city issued a permit to build-out the projects at a cost of $3 million.
Panda Express Chinese Kitchen expanded into its 13th Jacksonville location in July.
The restaurant is at 50 Riverside Ave., Unit 701, the former Bento Asian Kitchen & Sushi. The city issued a permit in February to build-out the space at a project cost of $950,000.
Keane’s Irish Pub opened in October, with Mayor Donna Deegan lifting a pint of dark beer and saying “slainte,” a Gaelic toast.
The restaurant and bar at 315 E. Bay St., developed by the owners of the nearby Decca Live music and dance venue, serves such food items as scotch eggs and bangers and mash plus imported and domestic beer and cocktails.
In May 2025, the Downtown Investment Authority board approved a $200,000 incentive for the establishment under a program designed to encourage development of food and beverage options Downtown.
DIA estimated total build-out costs at $418,000. For anyone wondering, Deegan did not drink the beer after giving her toast.
Lettuce Eat 1 also joined the 300 block of East Bay in 2025.
The restaurant at 333 E. Bay offers a soup, salad and fresh fruit bar and also serves specialty salads, soups and to-go salads sold by the pound, among other menu items.
Akel’s Deli & Grille opened in October at 1 Independent Square after moving from the Bank of America Tower. The relocated restaurant is in the former Royal Palm Cafe space at 1 Independent Drive, formerly the Wells Fargo Center.