'The end of an era': Celebrity chef Kenny Gilbert closes Jacksonville restaurant

Saying "it's the end of an era," Jacksonville celebrity chef Kenny Gilbert abruptly closed Silkie's Chicken & Champagne Bar — almost four years after launching the elevated Southern comfort food concept in historic Springfield.

Gilbert announced the immediate closure of the restaurant known for its artisan chicken, from-scratch drop biscuits and craft champagne cocktails Monday night on social media.

Multiple challenges over the past nine months, he said, led to the difficult decision to shut down the popular restaurant at 1602 Walnut St. at 6th Street.

"The last 9 months have been challenging, to say the least. Reduced guest traffic, inflation and employee turnover played a key part in this closure as well as some other personal issues," Gilbert posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Gilbert couldn't be reached for comment immediately.

Gilbert and his wife Anna opened Silkie's on Nov. 3, 2020, in a tree-shaded brick building that formerly housed Bleu Chocolat Cafe and before it, Three Layers Cafe.

The restaurant quickly became a go-to destination for brunch and dinner. Topping the menu was Gilbert’s signature Flavor Bomb sandwich — a favorite of mega-celebrity Oprah Winfrey.

The sandwich, featuring a smokey fried chicken thigh, truffle gouda drop biscuit, orange blossom honey and Fernandina Beach Hot Sauce served with assorted pickled vegetables, was a hit at Oprah’s New Year’s brunch in 2022.

Gilbert previously served as Winfrey's personal chef and remained a friend after striking out with his own restaurants.

Celebrity chef: Jacksonville Chef Kenny Gilbert helps Oprah Winfrey ring in the New Year with brunch

Also in 2022, Silkie's earned national recognition when it was named among the top 10 bars and restaurants in the United States by Champagne Bureau USA based in Washington.

Gilbert garnered national recognition as a contestant on Bravo’s “Top Chef” Season 7 in 2010, cementing his celebrity chef status that helped him launch several restaurant concepts in Northeast Florida, including Gilbert’s Social on the Southside, Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, and Gilbert’s Southern Kitchen & Bar and Gilbert’s Hot Chicken, Fish & Shrimp, both in Jacksonville Beach.

A cookbook author, Gilbert recently opened House of Birds + Drop Biscuits in Miami. Gilbert also is vice president of culinary operations for Grove Bay Hospitality Group headquartered in Miami. In addition, Gilbert has a line of spice mixes.

In announcing Silkie's closure, Gilbert thanked its staff, customers and the community.

"We took pride in serving our community and appreciated every single guest that set foot through the doors. … We worked extremely hard to serve you and we thank you for the opportunity," Gilbert posted.

Gilbert also posted information for people to be reimbursed for Silkie's gift cards.

Longtime customers responded with dismay on social media after learning of the closure.

They posted comments ranging from the concise "This sucks" from one patron to "Thank you for some of the most memorable dining experiences we've had here in Jax," posted by another customer.

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: Celebrity chef Kenny Gilbert closes Silkie's Chicken & Champagne Bar