Cue the neon colored frozen daiquiris and a little nostalgia. Commonly referred to as "The home of the 190 Octane," Fat Tuesday will soon be pouring its orange signature drink for Jacksonville residents.
Nearly 30 years after disappearing from Jacksonville, Fat Tuesday is making its return, bringing a taste of New Orleans back to the city. The frozen-daiquiri chain, which helped define nightlife at The Jacksonville Landing during the late 1980s and 1990s, is preparing to open a new location in Five Points.
The announcement has longtime fans reminiscing about nights at the Landing, while a new generation is already planning their first visit. Here's a look at what's coming and how Jacksonville fans are responding.
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Fat Tuesday is bringing New Orleans back to Jacksonville, 30 years later
The New Orleans chain revealed the news in anInstagram post, writing:
“River city get ready. Fat Tuesdays has entered the chat.”
The announcement quickly sparked excitement across social media, with fans welcoming the brand back after nearly three decades away.
Jacksonville residents have mixed opinions about Fat Tuesday's return to 'River City.' Here's what they are saying
Many Jacksonville residents couldn't contain their excitement and immediately started campaigning for locations in their own neighborhoods.
One user wrote: “Omg yassss come to riverside !!!!” While others have already started making plans for regular visitsand wrote: “@fattuesdayjacksonville I’m beyond excited!! This will be a weekly Thirsty Thursday spot for me and my work bestie.”
Another fan shared how much they had missed the chain after moving away: “SCREAMINGGGGGGGG! I went to the one in Orlando all the time when I lived there. I’ve missed y’all so much!”
For longtime locals, the news also brought back memories of Fat Tuesday's original Jacksonville home: “I'm here for this!!! Remember it being at the Landing many moons ago.”
However, not everyone was thrilled with the new location; several users criticized the Five Points location and shared their discontent: “I love the idea. I wish yall chose a different location.”
Still, others saw the opening as another reason to spend time in downtown and its historic neighborhoods again: "Now I may go downtown," another one wrote.
Overall, fans' reaction to Fat Tuesday's return reflects a broader conversation about downtown Jacksonville's ongoing redevelopment, with new restaurants and entertainment venues expected to draw more visitors back to the urban core.
When will Fat Tuesday open? Where will the new Fat Tuesday location be in Jacksonville?
According to the chain’s website and a July 23 social media post, Fat Tuesday is planning to open at 1045 Park St., in the former Rain Dogs spot vacated in December 2024.
The opening date has not been disclosed yet.
What is Fat Tuesday known for?
Fat Tuesday is best known for its colorful frozen daiquiris, with flavors including:
- Cherry
- Blue Raspberry
- Strawberry
- Electric Lemonade
- Piña Colada
- Mango
- Peach Bellini
- Margarita
- Watermelon
The chain has built its reputation around New Orleans-inspired frozen cocktails served in souvenir cups, making it a recognizable nightlife destination across the country.
When did Fat Tuesday first come to Jacksonville?
Fat Tuesday first opened in Jacksonville on June 25, 1987, as one of the original tenants of The Jacksonville Landing. Located on the second floor with views of the St. Johns River, it quickly became one of the Landing's signature nightlife spots.
While it's remembered for its boozy frozen daiquiris, the restaurant also served lunch, offering po'boy sandwiches, jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, and other New Orleans favorites.
After a successful decade at the Landing, Fat Tuesday closed in June 1997 when the marketplace's owner, The Rouse Co., chose not to renew its lease as part of an effort to reposition the Landing's image.
Now, nearly three decades later, the iconic daiquiri bar is getting another chance to become part of Jacksonville's nightlife scene.
Doris Alvarez is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for The Florida Times-Union. You can get all of Jacksonville’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Daily Briefing and News Alerts newsletters at jacksonville.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Fat Tuesday's Jacksonville comeback has fans buzzing
