'Murphy's Law ... in full effect': Jacksonville area gastropub plans to close this weekend

After two years, an Atlantic Beach gastropub known for live music and pub grub plans to close this weekend — citing staffing problems and other issues.

Whiskey Jax Kitchen & Cocktails Atlantic Beach, 725 Atlantic Blvd. in North Beach Shopping Center, will shut its doors at the close of business on Sunday, owner Tom Fisher posted on social media Wednesday morning.

"We've had a 2-year run, but we have never been able to get the right staff or to live up to personal expectations. Murphy's Law has been in full effect ..." Fisher wrote in a Facebook post.

Remaining open is Whiskey Jax Baymeadows at 10915 Baymeadows Road in Jacksonville.

"WJ Baymeadows is solid. I'll work there part-time to create synergy and help take it to the next level. Hopefully, we'll see u soon," Fisher said in the post.

Fisher couldn't be reached immediately for comment.

The pending closing is the latest of several notable closures already this year, including Burrito Gallery's downtown location, Lee's Dragon, Mr. Potato Spread's Philips Highway location, Woody's Bar-B-Q's Ponte Vedra restaurant, and others.

Whiskey Jax opened at its North Beach Shopping Center location on March 16, 2022. after moving from 950 Marsh Landing Parkway in Marsh Landing Plaza in Jacksonville Beach. The space had previously been home to Firefly Bay and North Beach Bistro.

Back then, Fisher told the Times-Union that the move was an effort to expand and attract more customers to the restaurant and live music venue.

"We're known for the live music work. But we're really going to focus on the food aspect for several months and get that down first before we start on the live entertainment," Fisher said at that time.

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Fisher also said that the COVID-19 pandemic, with its accompanying staff shortages and supply chain disruptions, had taken a toll on the Jacksonville Beach restaurant, and contributed to the move to Atlantic Beach.

But the Atlantic Beach location didn't live up to his hopes and expectations.

In his closure post, Fisher thanked customers for their support.

"For those of you showing us continued support along the way, thank you so much. We have certainly not been perfect, but we have always cared," Fisher wrote.

Customers responded on social media with condolences for the closure.

"Tom, sorry you had to come up with the painful decision to close Whisky Jax in Atlantic Beach. Thank you for all the music, food and friends … It is tough to find the right mix between, location, staffing and economic times," one regular customer commented on Facebook.

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: Whiskey Jax Atlantic Beach closing after relocating two years ago