After four years, a popular Atlantic Beach fast-casual Tex-Mex restaurant plans to shut its doors permanently.
Sierra Grille said its last day of operations will be Sept. 13 at 1021 Atlantic Blvd. The restaurant announced the planned closure on social media during lunchtime Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The closure comes as the family-owned restaurant's lease expires. Operating costs have risen, and the business is no longer sustainable there, the restaurant said in posts on Facebook and Instagram.
"Unfortunately, the overall costs of operating the restaurant have continued to increase, while sales have not grown enough to support the costs of running the business at this location," the restaurant posted.
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Remaining open is the original Sierra Grille at 331 Marsh Landing Parkway in Jacksonville Beach, which dates back to 1995.
"We are excited that the original Sierra Grille in Jax Beach continues to thrive and would love for our customers to continue to visit and support the Jax Beach location," the restaurant wrote in the post.
The Atlantic Beach restaurant opened in September 2022 about six miles from its Jacksonville Beach counterpart.
The restaurant thanked customers and the community for its support.
"This may be the end of one chapter, but it is not the end of the Sierra Grille story. Thank you for your support, patronage and most of all, for being part of our story," the post read.
Customers commented that the Atlantic Beach restaurant will be missed for its food, hospitality and employees.
"Oh no! I love your food, especially the salsa bar. Will miss you and patronize the Jax Beach location with intention," one customer posted on Facebook.
"Oh, man. Such a bummer. We’ll miss you guys being there," another posted on Instagram.
Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: 'With a heavy heart': Tex-Mex restaurant in Atlantic Beach closing
