After 8 years, a popular Jacksonville-area Hawaiian-Southern fusion cafe abruptly closes

After eight years, a popular Jacksonville-area Hawaiian-Southern fusion comfort food restaurant shut its doors abruptly just two days into 2024.

Just a Pinch Cafe & Catering, 1615 County Road 220, Suite 180 in Fleming Plaza retail center on Fleming Island, announced the closure — effective immediately — on social media Tuesday night.

"We have made the difficult decision to close Just a Pinch Cafe & Catering. This past year has come with many challenges that we were not able to overcome," the restaurant posted on Facebook. "It saddens us to have to share this news but due to personal reasons Just a Pinch Cafe & Catering will be permanently closing."

The owner couldn't be reached for comment immediately.

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The closure comes two days into what would have been the cafe's ninth year.

The restaurant, which opened in December 2015, focused on serving "Southern comfort favorites with Just a Pinch of Hawaiian Fusion," according to its website

It was considered a "go-to" destination for its breakfast offerings. The restaurant also was prized for its warm hospitality, according to customers responding on social media to the closure.

Longtime customers voiced disappointment but wished the owner well in multiple social media posts.

"We are utterly devastated by this news & sad we were not able to come in for one last Loco Moco before the closure. Wishing you all well & best of luck on wherever the next journey brings you," one former guest posted.

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 [email protected].

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Fleming Island restaurant Just a Pinch Cafe & Catering closes